AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE THREE WISE MONKEYS BY IKKOSAIIvory netsuke. Japan, Meiji periodThe three wise monkeys, or sanbiki no saru, embody the principle “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”. Here they are sitting back to back, with precisely carved fur, colored almost black with some light, smooth areas. Black inlaid eyes. Overall excellent carving quality! The signature I-KO-SAI 一 光 齋 is found on the underside of one of the monkeys’ paws. Ikkosai school – similar to the previous number 5 in treatment of the fur and slightly dumbfounded facial expression, with the eyes inlaid in dark horn; but of lesser quality. Condition: Good, complete condition – minor rubbing of staining on the face of one of the monkeys Provenance: From an English private collectionHEIGHT 3.5 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process