Set of Three Celluloid Figures of Monks, Japanese, first half C20th

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Location: United Kingdom
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Auction Start: 12/02/25 17:15:00 UTC
Auction Ending: 26/02/25 20:28:00 UTC
Time Remaining: 4d 10h 59m
LOT NUMBER 15
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LOT NUMBER 15

Set of Three Celluloid Figures of Monks, Japanese, first half C20th

This is an amusing group of three Japanese celluloid figures representing young boys dressed as monks. Each wears a patterned coat with complementary trousers and boots, the coloured details carefully picked out. Their poses resemble those of the celebrated three wise monkeys ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ which is a humorous combination with their apparently spiritual role. Celluloid, often known as the first plastic, was used for the manufacture of accessories and collectibles from the late nineteenth century to the 1940s. The Japanese produced many pieces in the material, other examples of which can be seen elsewhere on this site, but this small group, probably dating to the 1930s, is a particularly charming example.
Size: Each is approximately 6 x 5 cm
Weight: 110 grams for all three
Date: 1930s
Condition: Good condition, no issues
Estimate: £20 – 30

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