The maneki-neko (Japanese: 招き猫?, literally 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine (it acts as lucky charm or talisman), usually made of ceramic in modern times, which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed—often at the entrance—in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. Some of the sculptures are electric or battery-powered and have a slow-moving paw beckoning. The maneki-neko is sometimes also called the welcoming cat, lucky cat, money cat, happy cat, or fortune cat in English.
Maneki-neko come in different colors, styles, and degrees of ornateness. Common colors are white, black, gold and sometimes red. In addition to ceramic figurines, maneki-neko can be found as keychains, piggy banks, air fresheners, house-plant pots, and miscellaneous ornaments, as well as large statues. Maneki-neko are sometimes mistakenly called the "Chinese lucky cat", as it is also increasingly popular among Chinese merchants. It is also very popular in Bangkok and a common sight here, but then again many Bangkokians are of Chinese decent so maybe they brought it with them :)
One of the first things I bought for our apartment was this cat in silver, you know - when in Rome... So I figured when living in Asia we ought to have a lucky cat ourselves :)
Thanks for sharing this information. I have often seen a beckoning cat in Thai and other Asian restaurants here but never knew the meaning of this waving figurine. I love your shot. Beautiful composition and colors.
