The three monkeys Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru demonstrate the Buddhist injunction that if we do not see, hear, or speak evil, we will be spared of the karma of evil. Here in this excellently carved Chinese soapstone statue, the scene is likely inspired by the Monkey King's Flower and Fruit Mountain in the Journey to The West. The small carving featuring ten lively monkeys stacking up in a round; one monkey is looming over another with a tight grip in an acrobat. Strikingly animated in diverse movements, with proportioned dynamic postures in soft round edges. The monkeys appeared to be realistic and playful, the features of every monkey are beautifully realized, and grouped together in a tactile triangular design of a finely polished stone mound in warm natural beige patina. Radiates with the lightness of mood; if slightly fragile with its multiple intricate carved throughs.