Maneki-neko, "beckoning cat" figurine, Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, Nachikatsuura, Kii Mountains, Japan.

The maneki-neko, "beckoning cat", is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm or talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In common interpretation, the left paw raised attracts customers (as displayed in businesses); and/or the right paw raised invites good fortune and money (as displayed at home). Often made of ceramic or plastic, the figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed at the entrance of shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors and other businesses. Some of the sculptures have electric or battery-powered paws. Common colors are white, black, gold and sometimes red. The beckoning cat probably originated in Tokyo (or possibly Kyoto). Earliest records of Maneki-neko appear in the Buko nenpyo's (a chronology of Edo) entry dated 1852. Differing from Western body language, the Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding up the hand, palm down, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back, thus explaining the cat's appearance. Photo from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, Nachikatsuura, Kii Mountains, Japan.

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Filename: 1810JPN-5656.jpg
Copyright: © Tom Dempsey / PhotoSeek.com
Image Size: 3648x5472 / 4.3MB; http://www.photoseek.com/; Art Work Honshu Japan PhotoBest art love
Contained in galleries: Highlights 2018, Kii Peninsula: Nachikatsuura, Kumano Kodo, JAPAN 2018 favorites, 2018 Oct: JAPAN all

The maneki-neko, "beckoning cat", is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm or talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In common interpretation, the left paw raised attracts customers (as displayed in businesses); and/or the right paw raised invites good fortune and money (as displayed at home). Often made of ceramic or plastic, the figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed at the entrance of shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors and other businesses. Some of the sculptures have electric or battery-powered paws. Common colors are white, black, gold and sometimes red. The beckoning cat probably originated in Tokyo (or possibly Kyoto). Earliest records of Maneki-neko appear in the Buko nenpyo's (a chronology of Edo) entry dated 1852. Differing from Western body language, the Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding up the hand, palm down, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back, thus explaining the cat's appearance. Photo from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, Nachikatsuura, Kii Mountains, Japan.