During the Tenshō era (1573-1592) of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1592), clay suitable for pottery was discovered in Imado in Asakusa, and local people began to make Imado ware. It is a common theory that maneki-neko as figurines originated from Imado ware sold in Asakusa during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is commonly believed that maneki-neko originated in Tokyo (then named Edo), while some insist it was Kyoto.

History 'Joruri-machi Hanka no zu' by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1852 Marushime-neko, a variation of maneki-neko made of Imado ware in the style of the Kaei and Ansei periods of the Edo period. The original white color is to get good luck and overall good fortune, while black is to ward off evil, red is for good health, yellow or gold is for wealth, and pink is for romance. Originally, maneki-neko were white, but over the years with the combination of Feng Shui, different color variations were born. Brooklyn Museum.Īntique examples of maneki-neko may be made of carved wood, stone and metal, handmade porcelain or cast iron. īattery- and solar-powered maneki-neko are a modern iteration.Ĭomposition A wooden mold for a maneki-neko and Okiagari-Koboshi Daruma doll from the Edo Period, 18th century. Hence it is also said that the one with left paw is for business and the right is for home.

A statue with the left paw raised is to get more customers, while the right paw raised is to get more money. The significance of the right and left raised paw differs with time and place. Maneki-neko can be found with either the right or left paw raised (and sometimes both). Some maneki-neko made specifically for some Western markets will have the cat's paw facing upwards, in a beckoning gesture that is more familiar to most Westerners. The Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding up the hand, palm down, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back, thus the cat's appearance. This is due to the difference in gestures and body language recognized by some Westerners and the Japanese. To some Westerners ( Italians, Spaniards and Greeks are notable exceptions) it may seem as if the maneki-neko is waving rather than beckoning. Maneki-neko are traditionally depicted seated, holding a koban coin, with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture. Common features Maneki-neko in a shop, Japan

Maneki-neko are sometimes referred to simply as 'lucky cats' or 'calling cats'. In addition to statues, maneki-neko can be found in the form of keychains, piggy banks, air fresheners, pots, and numerous other media. Common colors are white, black, red, and gold. Maneki-neko come in different colors and styles and vary in degrees of detail. Some maneki-neko are equipped with a mechanical paw which slowly moves back and forth. The figurines are often displayed in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, dry cleaners, laundromats, bars, casinos, hotels, nightclubs, and other businesses, generally near the entrance, as well as households. The figurine depicts a cat, traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a paw raised in a beckoning gesture. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Japanese figurine of a beckoning cat Maneki-neko with motorized arm beckons customers to buy lottery tickets in Tokyo, Japan

Neeko trainslation