Vintage Dominoes – Three Monkeys (reverse side)

Vintage domino set featuring the Three Monkeys motif – a wooden game from West Germany, circa 1970

This vintage domino set from around 1970 combines classic gaming fun with an unusual decorative design. The reverse of the dominoes features the well-known motif of the three wise monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. This traditional symbol lends the game a special character and makes it an interesting collector’s item for enthusiasts of historical board games.

The wooden dominoes feature the classic dot patterns of the domino game on the front. Their reverse sides bear the characteristic three-monkey motif, which gives the game a distinctive look. The combination of traditional game design and decorative relief makes this set a charming variation on the well-known tile-laying game.

The tiles are stored in an oblong wooden box with a sliding lid. The red-and-white design of the lid, featuring the printed lettering DOMINO, is particularly striking. The packaging echoes the typical design language of the 1960s and 1970s and emphasises the game’s authentic vintage character. At the same time, the sturdy wooden box offers a practical way to store the dominoes safely.

The domino set was probably manufactured in West Germany around 1970. It therefore dates from a time when classic board games were often sold in decorative wooden boxes. The ‘Three Monkeys’ motif lends this piece additional symbolic significance and also makes it an interesting little decorative item.

According to the available information, the vintage domino set on offer is complete and is in very good second-hand condition. The wooden box and the dominoes show only minor signs of wear due to age and use. With its distinctive packaging and unusually designed reverse sides, it is a lovely addition to any collection of historical board and parlour games.

Product details

• Product type: Domino set / Vintage parlour game
• Motif: Three wise monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
• Origin: West Germany
• Date: Around 1970
• Material: Wood and plastic
• Game pieces: Dominoes with classic dot patterns and decorative ‘Three Monkeys’ reverse sides
• Packaging: Oblong wooden box with a sliding lid
• Lid design: Red and white with ‘DOMINO’ lettering
• Dimensions: According to the template, approx. 1.5 × 2.3 inches; exact origin not confirmed
• Completeness: complete
• Condition: Very good – minor signs of wear due to age and use
• Contents: Complete set of dominoes with original wooden sliding box
• Special features: Decorative ‘Three Monkeys’ motif, historic wooden packaging and classic vintage design

About dominoes and the Three Monkeys motif

Dominoes is one of the world’s most traditional tile-laying games. Its history stretches back several centuries, with different variations of the game developing in Asia and Europe. The classic game with numbered tiles remains hugely popular to this day and has, over time, been produced in a wide range of materials and decorative designs.

The motif of the three wise monkeys originates from East Asian visual tradition and represents the well-known gestures of seeing no evil, hearing no evil and speaking no evil. The three figures have become a popular symbol worldwide and feature on numerous decorative items and collectables. In this vintage set of dominoes, they combine with a classic parlour game to form a charming artefact of toy history.