extra large black maneki neko - antique japanese lucky cat - home & shop decor

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Welcome good fortune, protection, and a sense of whimsical charm into your home or business with this striking oversized black antique maneki neko  -  Japan’s iconic beckoning lucky cat. With its sweet, expressive face and signature raised paw, this rare piece is believed to attract wealth, happiness, and auspicious energy. Whether you're a cat lover or simply seeking a meaningful symbol of luck, this unique figure is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Dating from the Showa Era (1950s), this very large Tokoname-style cat hails from Aichi Prefecture, renowned for its traditional pottery. It showcases all the beloved characteristics of classic Tokoname figures: large, round eyes, a plump, chubby face nearly matching the size of its rotund body, and a medallion on its collar featuring the Japanese kanji for “good luck.” In its paw, the cat clutches a koban gold coin  -  a timeless symbol of wealth and prosperity  -  and cleverly doubles as a money box.

In Japanese tradition, black lucky cats are said to ward off evil and misfortune. With its left paw raised, this cat also invites meaningful connections, loyal customers, and successful opportunities into your life.

These grand cats were often gifted to new shop owners by friends or business associates to celebrate a store’s opening and to wish them success. It was believed that the bigger the cat, the greater the luck  -  and this one certainly makes a statement. Often, the name of the gift-giver was painted on the back, adding a personal, sentimental touch.

Having spent many years in a storefront welcoming customers and prosperity, this cat carries the soulful patina of age. Its once-glossy black coat has softened to a matte finish, its whiskers have faded, and gentle wear marks tell the story of a hardworking talisman. While structurally solid with no cracks or chips, the wear adds depth and warmth, enhancing its antique charm. It’s also notably heavy  -  a testament to its age, as older versions are far weightier than modern reproductions.

This is an ideal centerpiece for a console or display cabinet, and a thoughtful, symbolic gift for someone launching a new venture or opening a business. Add this captivating piece of Japanese tradition to your space today, and welcome in the timeless 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.