Classification
Description
A gold-coloured, hollow, ceramic maneki-neko, with a plastic (possibly polyethylene) raised paw and battery compartment, finished to mimic the appearance of glittered gold and hand painted. Manufactured in China by Hua Rong Sheng, the maneki-neko originated in Japan and translates as 'beckoning cat'. It is a talisman believed to bring prosperity and good luck. The seated Japanese Bobtail cat wears a bib and collar and holds an oval koban coin with a raised left paw to attract wealth and money (a raised right paw invites love and friendship). Commonly displayed in Asian shops and restaurants, the figurine has become increasingly popular as home decoration, mass importation into Western cultures believed to have begun in the 1980s. Also known as the waving, lucky, welcoming, money or fortune cat, it is often mistakenly believed to be Chinese. This example is battery powered but has no on/off switch, so no battery cover is provided to enable quick access.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Manufacturer
Object number
AIBDC : 009516
Date
2022
Country
Method
Material
| plastic | arm |
| PE | |
| polyethylene | |
| ceramic | body |
Dimensions
Width
150mm
Height
210mm
Depth
120mm