The Manekineko, also known as “lucky cat”, is a ceramic or porcelain figurine popular in Japanese culture. This statue depicts a cat raising a paw as if it were waving to come. The Manekineko is often associated with good luck, prosperity and happiness, and is frequently used as a decorative item in homes, stores and restaurants.
The origin of Manekineko dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when the city of Tokoname, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, was famous for the production of ceramics. According to the legend, a cat saved a feudal lord by beckoning him to come and take refuge under a tree just before a lightning struck the place where he was. To thank the cat, the feudal lord donated a ceramic statue of a beckoning cat, which was later considered a good luck charm.
Over the years, the popularity of the Manekineko has grown, with many different versions of the statue produced and distributed throughout Japan. The colors, patterns and materials used to make the Manekineko vary greatly, from simple white to more vivid colors and intricate designs. Lucky cats are often decorated with bells, gold coins, gems or other accessories to enhance their lucky power.
The Manekineko is also associated with different meanings depending on the color of its fur and the raised paw. A lucky cat raising its left paw is believed to attract customers, while the raised right paw is believed to bring money and financial luck. A lucky cat with white fur symbolizes purity and innocence, while a lucky cat with black fur is supposed to ward off evil spirits.
Today, the Manekineko has become a popular symbol of Japanese culture, with statues and figurines sold in stores around the world. Lucky cats are often used as decoration in homes, stores, restaurants and businesses, and are also considered a good luck gift for friends and family.
This lucky charm comes in different colors and they are associated with certain specific attributes:
- White Maneki Neko: White is a traditional symbol of purity, it is considered pafait to attract luck. It is the traditional and classic cat, it attracts luck and is often found sitting on its small red cushion. It is also found in interiors, restaurants and stores. This cat wears a mustache, a collar and red ears, a small bell also very often. His paw attracts luck for you and he calls you to come in or welcomes you in a friendly place.
- Black Maneki Neko: Black is supposed to promote health, heal children and illness and ward off evil spirits (bad energy). Very popular with Japanese women, because the black Maneki Neko is supposed to keep away aggressors. A black cat is quite strong and it should be placed in the interiors that are effectively cursed, otherwise opt for a white one.
- Yellow (or Golden) Maneki Neko: The color yellow, or golden, is, of course, traditionally associated with wealth and fortune.
- Pink Maneki Neko: Originally rare, this color is now very popular, and is associated with love and feelings. It is ideal for the lonely souls, be careful not to put pink cat in your interior if you already have love otherwise you would scare him away.
- Red Maneki Neko: Red is considered a color of protection. This cat is dedicated to success and prosperity. This red cat can bring you fame if you are looking for it. You think that you have been cast a bad spell, the red maneki neko cat will foil the traps and send the evil spell or the bad thought back to the one who sends it. It is therefore very important if you have enemies in order to keep them away.
- Green Maneki Neko: Green is a color associated with success in studies, and exams in general. It is ideal for students and those who wish to succeed in school or in intellectual life.
- Maneki Neko Tricolor: Generally, it is represented as white with black and brown spots. This mixture is considered to amplify its good luck qualities. It is called the triple-furred cat, it is the beloved cat of the Japanese.
Whether in porcelain, resin, wood or glass, small or large, yellow or black, your Maneki Neko cat statuette will take place without any problem in your living room, bedroom, office or on the counter of your shop. .
Don’t hesitate any longer and buy the Maneki Neko cat that suits you today!!!
