Hidari Jingoro was the creator of the Three Wise Monkeys during the 17th century. He did a series of carvings that incorporated the three monkeys who are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. However, the origin is said to date back to the Tendai Buddhists during the 8th century. Jingoro closely studied the Tendai Buddhists when incorporating the Three Wise Monkeys into his art work. Together the monkeys embody the Japanese proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil".
Payne and Baker took the concept of the Three Wise Monkeys and came up with this design in the early 1900's. The original spoon was made sometime between 1900-1906. Such a rare and difficult design to find that came out beautifully as a spoon ring.
This sterling spoon ring has been in the works for years. I didn’t want to make it until I had the perfect size. I finally found the three wise monkeys in the demitasse (small) size. With the help of my friend Eric, a world class caster, we made a silicon mold from the original. From there we poured wax into the mold to make a wax copy. Using the wax piece we created a clay like substance and stuck the piece in the middle with a “line” running to the design. The clay is heated causing the wax to melt away leaving a negative space of the original spoon. Next we weigh and heat just enough silver and pour it down the line. This creates a perfect sterling silver copy. To prep the spoon I clean it carefully by cutting and sanding away the line. From there I follow the steps I use to make the perfect spoon ring.
This is the only demitasse piece I’ve found in my entire career in this pattern. This is a copy of the original piece that is extremely rare to find. We also have this available in gold ranging from rose gold to 24k. If you are interested please send me a message and I will send you the price in a private message.
Dimension of ring:
Current Size: 7 US
Ring Feel: Small-Medium
*Sizes smaller than a 7 will be made in the wrap around style.
Aaron Paul can re-size any spoon ring to fit your finger free of charge. He takes great care in carefully cleaning each spoon and uniquely turning it into a piece of history you can wear. Each piece of silverware Aaron Paul uses dates back between the early 1800’s to mid 1900’s with a majority of the patterns between 1880’s to 1930’s.
My goal as an artist is to not only show the beauty and history of each piece of art but also the beauty of the person that wears this ring. I believe every person has a unique identity. With this identity and skills learned throughout life they can go into the world and shed light into dark places. My hope is that my art will help remind each person how unique they are and how they are one of a kind.
