Maneki Neko

, also known as "welcoming cat", "lucky cat", "money cat" or "fortune cat", is a common Japanese figurine. It is a lucky charm. This small statue is found in many Japanese shops,Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Maneki Neko" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 606. and it is also seen in some places outside Japan.

Maneki neko is usually painted as a Calico cat (Japanese Bobtail), but new colors has appeared recently (for example, white, red, black, pink, blue and gold).  It usually has the right paw raised.  Some of these statues have the left paw raised.

The statue commonly has a gold coin called a koban around the cat's neck.

Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture is Japan's top producer of Maneki neko. "Tokoname, Birthplace of Manekineko Lucky Cats" at Virtualtourist.com ; excerpt, "About eighty percent of this type of cat figurines are produced in Tokoname...". Retrieved 2012-12-4.

Color
This is the meaning of the colors
red, black; avoid getting ill
pink; help his or her love
gold; be lucky with money
calico; traditional color

Gesture
Maneki-neko can be found with either the right or left paw raised (and sometimes both). 
Generally, a right paw raised brings good luck and wealth, while the left paw raised brings in customers.

History
Maneki neko was a mascot of the silk industry, but now it is considered to be a mascot of business prosperity.
Different theories say that the Maneki neko came from Imado temples or that it came from Gotoku temples.  

Related pages 

 Hello Kitty

References

Other websites 

  "Giant Maneki Neko....Tokoname Japan" at Panoramio 

Category:Cats
Category:Japanese culture
Category:Luck