Description
Charming, brand new set of three small ceramic Maneki Neko figures
(please read below to learn more about Maneki Neko). These tiny
(please see size information below) statues use the likeness of Maneki Neko
to cleverly depict three important deities within the Japanese Shinto
pantheon. Shinto is the native religion of Japan and an ancient
system supporting innumerable major and minor gods. The Japanese are very
fond of a select group of seven Shinto luck gods called the
Shichifukujin. This statue set depicts three members of the
Shichifukujin, shown posing with upraised paws and holding objects typically
associated with each god. There is Daikoku, the god of wealth and
good fortune who is shown with his famous luck hammer. This god is thought
to dispense luck by shaking his hammer at pious and worthy humans. Also
represented is Ebisu, the god of fisherman and children. This god
is shown holding a large fish under his right arm. And finally there is
Hoteison, a deity who was once a man (a Zen Buddhist priest in fact) and who
is always depicted holding a fan. Each figure wears a warm smile and
displays a Japanese expression of goodwill written on the tummy. The
Daikoku cat's writing invites wealth and good fortune, while the
Ebisu cat's phrase asks that one thousand customers visit your establishment
ten thousand times. The Hoteison figure expresses his simple hope
that all your wishes may come true. These delightful little statues were
made by a relatively small Japanese ceramics company who's inspired and unique
designs are quiet popular both at home and abroad. Please note
that these figures are also
sold individually within our eBay store The Old Tokaido.
Size:
Height of each figure: 1.3 inches (3.3 centimeters)
Weight of each figure: 0.3 ounces (9 grams)
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Maneki Neko - Japan's Beckoning Luck Cat
Japanese
legend holds that long ago an emperor was traveling on horseback when he spotted
a small cat waving at him. After the emperor dismounted from his horse to
get a closer look the horse was struck by lightning and killed.
Subsequently, the emperor pronounced that cats in general should be respected as
sacred animals and thus was born the legend of the beckoning Maneki Neko.
This is just one of several popular tales regarding the origin of Japan's most
famous cat.
Today in Japan you are likely to spot a Maneki Neko figure waving at you from
within just about every Japanese place of business. The legendary kitty
has been transformed from an emperor saving Samaritan to a bringer of money and
good fortune to all Japanese. There are basically three types of Maneki
Neko: The first and oldest type is waving a single paw in an effort to
attract people to it (just like the emperor's savior). Another newer
version (yet still likely
centuries
old) is a Maneki Neko waving one paw while holding an old fashioned
Japanese coin in the other paw. This second type is thought to bring
wealth to its owner. The final type of Maneki Neko is a modern
version which waves both paws. Still further variations exist with
additional meaning even ascribed to such things as the color and pattern of the
coat. Maneki Neko are usually ceramic and
are often used as piggy banks. Piggy bank
Maneki Neko will have a slot in their back to receive coins and a hole in
the bottom for their removal. Many modern
Maneki Neko are purely decorative (no piggy bank) and may be made of
papier-mache or cloth in addition to the traditional ceramic styles. To
learn more, please visit our
About
Japan page and look for the feature titled Maneki Neko Corner.
This special section of our website is dedicated exclusively to all things
Maneki Neko and includes additional information as well as interesting photos of
authentic
Maneki Neko in use in Japan today.
More photos below!
product code: CER-0000601 FNP
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