Hideshi Yoshida - Three Smart Monkeys

Contemporary Woodblock Print

"Three Smart Monkeys" echoes the famous motif of The Three Wise Monkeys (三猿), embodying the proverb "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." Deeply tied to both Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, this cultural symbol is revered across Japan. In this piece, Hideshi Yoshida cleverly transports us to a contemporary vision & realm of fantasy - the three monkeys, Mizaru (見猿), Kikazaru (聞か猿), and Iwazaru (言わ猿), now using “smart” devices to see, hear, and speak, no evil. 🙈🙈🙈 A large, detailed, & incredibly charming piece.

• Year & Edition: 2014 · Ed. of 20 (signed, editioned & dated in pencil to plate).
• Medium: Woodblock print carved on Shina Japanese plywood & printed on gampi & kōzo papers.
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 54.00 cm × W: 84.00 cm (Image H: 34.00 cm × W: 64.00 cm).
• Condition: Mint, direct from the artist’s studio.

About the Artist

Hideshi Yoshida (b. Hokkaido) is a Tokyo-based contemporary printmaker celebrated for his meticulous wood-engravings (木口木版) and vibrant woodblock prints. He transports viewers into surreal realms - ranging from charming animal scenes to visionary landscapes inspired by Lovecraft, Carroll and Stevenson - while centering his own Sci-Fi universe, Agnahuecom-Land, and the tech-driven mega-corporation FROSKEY Inc., powered by the mythical element Rabbitanium. Yoshida’s richly detailed narratives and fantastical precision have earned him international acclaim, with works held at the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (Poland) and the St. Nikolai Municipal Museum (Belgium). Kumo Arts is proud to showcase his enchanting worlds. [ ← View All Works by Hideshi Yoshida]