Maneki neko -- Japanese beckoning lucky cat
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What is a maneki neko?
The maneki neko (aka "lucky cat", "welcoming cat", "beckoning cat") is believed to be a symbol of good fortune. They are placed at the entrances of dwellings and businesses in Japan for this express purpose. The statue is always placed such that it faces the door to greet those who enter.
A traditional maneki neko statue is made from ceramic, though nowadays there are cheap ones made from papier mache, wood, even polyresin.
Table of Contents
- Which paw is up?
- Maneki neko colour meanings
- Ceramic maneki nekos
- White maneki nekos
- Red maneki nekos
- Green maneki nekos
- Pink maneki nekos
- Black maneki nekos
- Yellow maneki nekos
- Gold maneki nekos
- Maneki neko pictures
- Lucky cat tiki mug
- Maneki neko banks
- Lucky cat phone charms
- Hello Kitty maneki neko
- Maneki neko fabric
- Maneki neko children's books
- Maneki neko links
Beckoning cat statues
Which paw is up?
meanings of your beckoning cat
If the maneki neko's left paw is up, it is inviting people in. If the right paw is up, it is inviting good fortune in. Both paws up is a symbol of protection for the home or business the statue is in.
You can sometimes get two-cat pairs to cover both angles, if you like.
Maneki neko colour meanings
- Calico: luckiest of lucky cats to have
- White: purity
- Black: ward against evil entering
- Gold or yellow: wealth
- Red or pink: love and relationships
- Green: health
Ceramic maneki nekos
ceramic cat figurines and statues
White maneki nekos
Red maneki nekos
Green maneki nekos
Pink maneki nekos
Black maneki nekos
Yellow maneki nekos
Gold maneki nekos
More lucky cats
Lucky cat tiki mug
buy Japanese lucky cats
Ceramic Neko MugBenihana Restaurant Style Neko Mug - White Ceramic w/ Glazed Finish - 14 oz Handmade Mixed Drink Mug - Dishwasher Safe - 7H x 4.5W inches
Buy Ceramic Neko Mug
Maneki neko banks
Lucky cat phone charms
Hello Kitty maneki neko
Maneki neko fabric
good luck cat fabric
Maneki neko children's books
Maneki neko links
- Flickr: Maneki Neko (Lucky Cats)
- Lucky cat pool.
Thanks for visiting!
Did you enjoy reading this lens? Would you like to leave some feedback, or just make a suggestion? I'm always glad to hear what more you'd like to see here!
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BeyondRoses
Mar 23, 2012 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- Your selection of Maneki neko cats are adorable! Love the paw-up and colour meanings.
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PaulOnBooks
Nov 29, 2011 @ 9:53 pm | delete
- Part of my mother's christmas present sorted - thank you and Angel Blessed for a stylish and well-curated collection.
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Trender_
Nov 23, 2011 @ 7:23 am | delete
- YES!! CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH MANEKI NEKO!
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pawpaw911
Nov 22, 2011 @ 4:23 pm | delete
- Never heard of a maneki neko. Very cool.
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aesta1
Oct 15, 2011 @ 7:31 am | delete
- I brought one from Asia for our daughter and she loves it. I find it funny.
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by murasaki
I love Japanese culture. Check out my other articles to read more.
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