monkey's in uniform decorated metal dish

[stuka f]

hello,

could someone help me ID what this are?
I recently found two decorated small metal dishes.
It represents monkeys in uniforms!
The one with the marine representation shows a Japanese flag and the coat of arms of Japan on the ship.
But what is the meaning of it?

[HARRY THE MOLE]

Hi Kris,

Looks to be 19th century whatever it is. I can't really say what it's all about - other than the monkey is/was revered in Japanese culture, so that might be the connection. Or maybe a political statement about some event in the Russian - Japanese war?

Cheers,
Steve

[stuka f]

Hey Steve,

I have been looking on the net and can't find anything similar...
Also my idea they are 19 th century.

Cheers

Kris

- - ------- - -

Hey Steve,

I have been looking on the net and can't find anything similar...
Also my idea they are 19 th century.

Cheers

Kris

[Nick Komiya]

Are the undersides absolutely plain without any markings or inscriptions?

[ghp95134]

There is precedence using anthropomorphic monkeys and other animals in art.

Here's one called "Saru no soshi emaki" 猿草子絵巻 [A Tale of the Monkeys], circa 1570-1590.

Monkeys are regarded as the messengers of the deity of Mt Hiei. Here they are made to inhabit the world of humans and tell the story of the marriage of one Yokawa Yasaburo to the daughter of Shibuzane, priest of the Hie Shrine.
...

I wonder if your saucer is a 1905 riff on the Momotaro theme? See the WWII version below, 桃太郎の海鷲 (Momotaro's Sea Eagles).


--Guy

[stuka f]

No nothing more to it...

[stuka f]

Are the undersides absolutely plain without any markings or inscriptions?

No nothing more to it...

[stuka f]

Sorry about double posts, but I am having difficulties with the forum lately.
It was down for a long time yesterday.
I didn't get any messages, about the reply's here...
And every handling on the forum goes extremely slow...
I hope it is only temporary.

[John Brandon]

When I saw the title of the thread - I nearly choked on my rice krispies

[Nick Komiya]

I think the tray is a West European product from the early 1900s after Japan won in the Russo-Japanese War. It was likely produced as one of the racist "Yellow Peril" caricatures common at that time. The uniform is of that vintage. The Japanese have no tradition of likening themselves to monkeys, nor do they see it as any compliment to be treated in such manner, so this would not have been made in Japan.

Or it was a prop from "The Planet of the Apes" used in a scene where Cornelius tells his children about the war of human termination.