Ref: 0009930-31: "Monkey" Seal

This is a refined Italian seal that consists of a waxed turned wooden handle and a bronze disc engraved with a monkey.

A symbol of agility, intelligence, and ingenuity, the monkey is a widely used symbol, especially in Asia. Evoking adaptation and dissipation, it moves from one point to another, without taking anything seriously. This is why it is treated both as a wise man detached from this world and as an incorrigible and irresponsible puppet. The monkeys of Jingoro, at the Nikko temple, evoke wisdom and happiness. One does not see, another does not speak, and the last does not hear. Industrious or wise, the monkey is present in many rites.
His name is not spoken at weddings, for fear of scaring off the bride. He drives away evil spirits. He facilitates childbirth. As an initiate, leading man to debauchery, an initiator, the monkey attempts to imitate man, and, in many myths, he reaches perfection.
While Christians view him as a debauched man, degraded by vices and sexual perversions, he is glorified in Asia. He is, in fact, the epitome of unconscious activities, which are difficult to control.
A human caricature, free and untamable without consent, the monkey indicates the need to act intelligently and consciously on one's actions.