The title of this small bronze pair has always bothered me, as the names are reversed from the characters in the photo. Knowledge is on the left and Wisdom is on the right. They don't seem to mind, however. They ignore my dilemma and continue their discourse through eternity. These diminutive monks are only about seven inches tall, and, being solid bronze instead of hollow, weigh about 3.3 pounds each. They fit nicely in the fist and are a must-have for women walking to their car from the office late night in a dark city parking garage. Don't leave home without them.
I've often been surprised at what couples choose these sculptures for purchase. Usually one member of the spouses or partners believes they are the one monk, and that their spouse/partner is the other. My reason for creating them back in 1999 was to help me have a caricature representation of the difference between Wisdom and Knowledge. You see how Knowledge grips his doctrine (or law or scripture) tightly to his chest, expounding it's virtues to Wisdom, who simply listens intently.
They both seem to be fully and happily aware in the eternal present. But which better overcomes adversity in a dark parking garage, Knowledge or Wisdom? I suppose we could consult the Whetherbird...
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Wisdom would more likely use his head in an emergency, but Knowledge would probably follow up by "throwing the book" at the assailant if there was an arrest. I know, that's lame, but it's late and I've lost my humorous edge (if there ever was one).
ReplyDeleteThey go together so well. And the gorgeous solid bronze echoes the value of the attributes they represent. Plus they keep each other entertained.
ReplyDeleteThey do seem, Roger, to be ever in the present, contented in each other's company. Or maybe Wisdom is just being polite and Knowledge feels he's not getting through to his partner.... Our kitchen is so full of little characters, now, that they maybe should all be holding picket signs: "We Are The 99 Millimeters" or "Occupy The Kitchen Island". I think I see tiny little tents popping up in the wineglass cabinet! It's hard being the 1% in our own house. Where's the pepper spray?
ReplyDeleteOn those guys, you can probably just use the pepper grinder.
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