Origin: Japan

Material: ceramic

Dimension: H6x4.5 cm

Maneki Neko is a talisman that is believed to attract good luck and wealth to its owners. Therefore, it is quite normal and common to find Maneki Neko displayed in shops, restaurants, and other business premises.

According to legend, a poor monk from the 17th century lived in a small Gōtoku-ji temple in Setagaya, Tokyo, with his cat. They lived a quiet life, until one day the samurai lord, Ii Naotaka, visited the area. While he was going hunting, a storm suddenly began, and the master took refuge under a tree in front of the temple. While there, he noticed a monk’s cat with its paw raised and it seemed to him as if it was waving to him to enter the temple. As he was moving towards the cat, lightning struck the tree where he had been standing until a moment ago. Naotaka was so grateful to the cat for saving his life and became the protector of the temple. He helped repair and expand it for a poor monk. Later, a large statue of Maneki Neko was built in the temple, and a small version began to be sold as a souvenir. The place is still considered sacred today. Because of this story, many people believe that calling cats are a symbol of good luck.

In Western culture, the invocation movement involves pointing the index finger out of a clenched fist with the palm facing the body. The finger moves repeatedly towards itself (like a hook) while trying to get closer to someone. However, in Japan, the same inviting movement is done by holding the hand, palm down, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back. This is why Maneki Neko’s hand is facing downwards.

Meaning of raised paw; The left paw attracts customers while the right paw calls for good luck and money.

Both paws imply both, and also represent protection.

In Western culture, domestic cats make great pets, but in Japanese culture, cats have protective power and symbolize good luck. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that Maneki Neko is believed to represent one particular legendary cat.

Every year in September, Maneki Neko is celebrated at festivals in various cities across Japan. Maneki Neko events are popping up all over the country, and people are flocking to the streets with faces painted like cats.

Maneki Neko also comes in different colors, depending on the type of luck the owner is trying to achieve.

White: Happiness, purity

Black: Safety, Ward Off Evil Spirits

Red: Protection against disease

Gold: wealth and prosperity

Pink: Love and Romance

Blue: Success in Education

Green: Family Safety

Figurines often hold other things in their paws. These include:

• Koban worth one ryo: This is a Japanese coin from the Edo period; at that time, the ryo was considered to be a real treasure.
• Magic hammer for money: If you see a small hammer, it represents wealth. When shaken, the sledgehammer should attract wealth.
• Fish, most often carp: Fish is a symbol of abundance and good luck.