extra large vintage black maneki neko lucky cat - good fortune and wealth

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Welcome prosperity and good fortune into your space with this impressive oversized black antique Japanese lucky cat. Its charm is undeniable, from the adorable face to the beckoning paw, symbolizing wealth and good luck. A unique addition to your decor,  the maneki neko cat will certainly bring a smile to your face. Perfect for cat lovers and anyone seeking a touch of luck in their lives.

The very large Showa Era (1950’s) cat is a Tokoname style cat from Aichi Prefecture. It has all the characteristics of the Tokoname cat; big round eyes, a round chubby face, almost the same size as it’s cute rotund body, a medallion suspended from its collar with the Japanese kanji for good luck, and it clutches an old koban gold coin, representing great wealth. The cat also doubles as a money box.

Black cats are said to ward off evil and this cat has it’s left hand raised, also beckoning in important people, customers and immense fortune to your life.

Very large cats, like this one, were given to shop owners, by friends and business acquaintances, to celebrate the opening of their new shop and to wish them success and prosperity. It was said the bigger the cat, the bigger the business luck. The name of the gift giver was often painted on the back of the cat.

This old cat lived in a shop front for many years, beckoning in customers, business and wealth. It has worked long and hard and has the knocks and bumps to show for it! The cat’s bright, shiny fur has become a flat, black color and all of its whiskers have disappeared. It is in structurally good antique  condition, with no cracks or chips, but has the wear of age, giving it a lovely warmth and antique appeal.  It is quite heavy, the older cats being much heavier than the new ones made these days.

 It's the ideal centerpiece for a chest and makes a thoughtful, meaningful gift for anyone opening a new shop or embarking on a new business venture. Add this delightful piece of Japanese tradition to your space today and invite the blessings of luck, wealth, and protection!

- cat measures around 33 cm (12.9”) tall x 24 cm (9.4”) ) across x  19.5 cm(7.7”)deep 
- weighs 3,950 gm (8. 7 lbs).

(listing for maneki neko cat)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

TOKONAME CATS
Tokoname is in Aichi Prefecture and is one of the ‘Six Ancient Kilns’ in Japan. Tokoname was originally know for it’s everyday stoneware and tea ceremony goods. The remains of over 2,000 kilns attest to it’s significance as a ceramic center. 

The earliest clay dolls in this area, called Okawa ningyo, were made in the 1840’s. At their peak over 300 different clay figures  were produced using a mold, with the figure being completed by hand painting. In the late Meiji Era the clay maneki neko figure appeared amongst these shapes; a simple cat, seated on it’s haunches, facing front on, with one arm raised. This clay cat remained the only style of this area until after WWII.

After WWII the maneki neko was given a complete overhaul and now this style has become the most iconic and well known of all the beckoning cats, in Japan. Many other ceramic centers in Japan also produce cats in this cute Tokoname shape, using their own ceramic techniques.

The cat has a chubby face, large round eyes with long curly eyelashes, perky ears and a rounded body. The head and the body are equal in size, lacking in realism, but abounding in charm! Around the cat’s neck is a simple collar with a medallion inscribed with the Japanese word for good fortune. The cats were often accompanied by a large old gold coin, called senmanryo, held in their  lower paw. This coin represented a great deal of money in days gone by. The cats appeared in different color versions; white with brown spots, black and gold. Today the white cat with the brown spots is the most common version.

The development of this cat is accredited to Tomimoto Chikao in Showa 25 (1950) at the time of  Japan’s postwar economic boom. It was embraced throughout the nation as a logo and symbol for all things related to economic expansion.

MANEKI NEKO
Maneki neko, or the beckoning cat, is a good luck charm that dates back to the Edo era. It was traditionally used by businesses to beckon in customers and money. A raised left paw beckons in customers and a raised right paw beckons in money and good fortune.  

These days, not just businesses, but almost every Japanese household has a maneki neko for good luck. Sometimes both of the paws are raised! There are so many different kinds of maneki neko and they really make a wonderful collection item.