Maneki Neko
This beckoning cat is a common figurine in Japan
The Maneki Neko is a common Japanese sculpture, often made of porcelain or ceramic, which is believed to give good luck to the owner. The sculpture depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in stores, restaurants, and other businesses. A raised right paw attracts money, while a left paw invites customers.
Maneki Neko come in all different colors.
- Tricolor: Tricolored cats are white with black and red or orange spots. This coloring is considered especially lucky and is the most popular color. This belief may be related to the rarity of this coloring in the Japanese bobtail cats, after which the Maneki Neko is modeled.
- White: White cats indicate purity and happiness
- Black: Black cats are believed to ward off evil
- Gold: Gold cats are associated in bringing in wealth
