Ceramic monk figure covering his ears, hear no evil, with mala beads over his robe

The Four Monks Ceramic Set

Hear No Evil
$70.39 $128.66
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Ceramic monk figure covering his ears, hear no evil, with mala beads over his robe
  • Ceramic monk figure covering his ears, hear no evil, with mala beads over his robe
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The Four Monks Ceramic Set

The Four Monks Ceramic Set

$70.39 $128.66
Style

Shipping: 7-10 Business Days 

30 Days Risk Free Return

100% Authentic & Handcrafted

Three of them cover their ears, mouth and eyes. The fourth sits with his hands together, and he's the one people miss.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil is the version that travelled west. The fourth monk is the older idea underneath it. The line traces back to the Analects (論語), where Confucius (孔子) answers a student asking how to live: look at nothing improper, listen to nothing improper, say nothing improper, do nothing improper. The fourth is the doing. Restraint in action, not just in the senses.

Which is why the set works on a desk. Three of them are about what comes in. The fourth is about what you send back out.

Each one is modelled separately and stands on its own, so you can group all four together or space them out along a shelf and let people find the fourth on their own.

For anyone who has ever thought the three monkeys were a bit glib. The missing fourth is the answer to that, and almost nobody knows it exists.

Where to put the four monks

A desk, a bookshelf, a windowsill, or an altar. Small enough not to dominate a surface and large enough to be seen from across a room. Lined up in a straight row all four need noticeably more shelf than people expect, so check the run before you plan on it. Ceramic chips, so keep them back from an edge.

It arrives with a story most people have never heard the end of, which is most of why it gets asked about.
Details
  • Material: High-fired ceramic, dark speckled robes against unglazed clay
  • Set: Four figures, each free standing
  • Size: Each approx 10cm / 4in tall. Widths 7 to 9cm / 2.75 to 3.5in, depths 5.9 to 6.5cm / 2.3 to 2.6in
  • Row of four: Approx 32cm / 12.5in end to end
  • Motif: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, plus restraint in action
  • Origin of motif: The Analects of Confucius, Lunyu (論語)
  • Note: Hand glazed, colour and finish vary slightly between sets
Taking Care
Size & Packaging

Each statue is hand-measured and may vary slightly—approximately 1-2cm difference is normal. We pack every piece with care in secure, protective packaging to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Shipping

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1-2 business days, and estimated shipping times are below:

  • US: 7 to 10 Business days
  • UK: 7 to 10 Business days
  • CA: 7 to 10 Business days
  • AU: 7 to 10 Business days
  • EU: 7 to 10 Business days
  • Rest of world: 7 to 15 Business days

You will receive shipping confirmation emails with your tracking number once your parcel has been shipped.
Where To Use It?

All of our statues are handcrafted to bring mindfulness and peace into your home. Display each piece in a space where it resonates with you—a shelf, entryway, desk or meditation corner, and let it become a focal point for calm and reflection.

Meticulously Handcrafted

Each statue and figurine is handcrafted with meticulous care. Our artisans pour passion into every detail, creating pieces that bring spiritual beauty and craftsmanship into your home.

A Story in Every Piece

Every figure here means something. The laughing Buddha stands for contentment, the guardian lions watch a doorway, and the novice monk is the beginner still learning. We share the story behind each piece and where it traditionally belongs, so it arrives as more than decoration.

Arrives Safe, or We Make It Right

Every statue is wrapped and boxed to travel. If yours arrives damaged, send us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we will replace it or refund you. Not right for your space? Return it within 30 days.

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Frequently asked questions

What if my statue arrives damaged?

Send us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we will replace it or refund you. Every piece is wrapped and boxed in protective packaging before it leaves us.
How big is it?

Check the Specifications on this page for measurements in centimetres and inches. Most of our statues are desk and shelf sized, between 10 and 20 cm tall. Each one is finished by hand, so allow 1 to 2 cm of variation.
Will the colour match the photos?

Closely, but not exactly. Clay and stone are natural materials and every statue is finished by hand, so tone and texture vary a little from piece to piece.
Can I keep it outdoors?

We recommend indoors. Unglazed clay can fade in direct sun, and sandstone is porous, so rain and soil will mark it. If you do place one outside, choose a sheltered spot away from sun and rain.
How do I clean it?

Dust it with a soft dry cloth or brush. Avoid soap and soaking, which unglazed clay absorbs. Glazed pieces can be wiped with a damp cloth.