Nobutaka 8th generation wakizashi with koshirae and NBTHK certificates

In Japanese culture and art, monkeys, particularly the “Three Wise Monkeys” (See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil), are often depicted on sword guards (tsuba) and other decorative items, symbolizing virtues and cautionary lessons , and are also featured in various stories and performing arts. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Here’s a more detailed explanation: [ 2 , 3 ]

• Symbolism on Tsuba (Sword Guards): [ 2 , 3 ]

• Monkeys, especially the “Three Wise Monkeys,” appear on tsuba, which are sword guards, a part of a sword mounting between the blade and grip. [ 2 , 3 ]
• The “Three Wise Monkeys” represent the proverb “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” which emphasizes the importance of avoiding negativity and focusing on positive actions. [ 2 , 4 ]
• The monkey imagery on tsuba can be seen as a reminder for the samurai to be mindful of their actions and to strive for virtue. [ 2 , 4 ]

• Monkey Imagery in Japanese Culture: [ 2 , 5 ]

• Monkeys have a long history in Japanese culture, with depictions ranging from sacred mediators between gods and humans to tricksters. [ 2 , 5 ]
• The Monkey King, a popular figure in Chinese folklore, also became a popular character in Japanese art and literature, featured in various forms like netsuke and tsuba. [ 2 ]
• Traditional performing arts, such as kabuki, featured actors in monkey costumes imitating monkeys who mimicked humans, further highlighting the cultural significance of monkeys. [ 2 ]
• Paintings and prints of the natural world also included vivid depictions of wild monkeys. [ 2 ]

• Monkeys in Folklore and Stories: [ 2 ]

• The story of the brave but mischievous Monkey King, who helped a Chinese Buddhist monk travel to India and back on a quest for scriptures, became almost as popular in Japan as in China. [ 2 ]
• Monkeys are also featured in stories about tengu, supernatural beings, and the art of swordsmanship, with some tengu depicted as teachers of swordsmanship. [ 1 ]
• In one story, a tengu teaches a boy the art of swordsmanship to bring vengeance on the Taira, with the tengu’s actions initially portrayed as chaotic but later depicted in a more sympathetic light. [ 1 ]

Sourced via the experimental Generative AI.

[1]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengu

[2]  https://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/year-of-the-monkey

[3]  https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/35223

[4]  https://traditionalkyoto.com/culture/figures/monkey/

[5]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeys_in_Japanese_culture