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Maneki Neko - Japan's Beckoning Lucky Cat
Japanese
legend holds that long ago an emperor was traveling on horseback when he spotted
a small cat waving at him. After the emperor dismounted from his horse to
get a closer look the horse was struck by lightning and killed.
Subsequently, the emperor pronounced that cats in general should be respected as
sacred animals and thus was born the legend of the beckoning Maneki Neko.
This is just one of several popular tales regarding the origin of Japan's most
famous cat.
 Today in Japan you are likely to spot a Maneki Neko figure waving at you from
within just about every Japanese place of business. The legendary kitty
has been transformed from an emperor saving Samaritan to a bringer of money and
good fortune to all Japanese. There are basically three types of Maneki
Neko: The first and oldest type is waving a single paw in an effort to
attract people to it (just like the emperor's savior). Another newer
version (yet still likely
centuries
old) is a Maneki Neko waving one paw while holding an old fashioned
Japanese coin in the other paw. This second type is thought to bring
wealth to its owner. The final type of Maneki Neko is a modern
version which waves both paws. Still further variations exist with
additional meaning even
ascribed
to such things as the color and pattern of the coat. Maneki Neko are usually ceramic and
are often used as piggy banks. Piggy bank
Maneki Neko will have a slot in their back to receive coins and a hole in
the bottom for their removal. Many modern
Maneki Neko are purely decorative (no piggy bank) and may be made of
papier-mache or cloth in addition to the traditional ceramic styles. To
learn more, please visit our
About
Japan page and look for the feature titled Maneki Neko Corner.
This special section of our website is dedicated exclusively to all things
Maneki Neko and includes additional information as well as interesting photos of
authentic
Maneki Neko in use in Japan today.
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A Maneki Neko of
your own!
Would you like to welcome Maneki Neko into your own
home or business? Please
browse our extensive selection of vintage and contemporary pieces
within our eBay store The Old Tokaido.
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