On a door of a stable in the Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko, Japan, carvings of 3 Japanese macaques illustrate a maxim known to easterners and westerners alike. In the west it is usually considered to mean “see no, speak, no hear no evil”. Or if you prefer, “turn a blind eye”. In the east it has more to do with Buddhist discipline and good behaviour. On the stable, there are 8 panels, the second one having the 3 wise monkeys.

Apart from theses panels, the Tosho-gu shrine has many symbolic carvings, statues, and roof line decorations.Challenging to photograph but fascinating to observe.