giant white maneki neko lucky cat - symbol of wealth and good fortune

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Invite good fortune and wealth into your home or business with this stunning, oversized white Maneki Neko, the iconic Japanese "lucky cat." With a rich history steeped in tradition, this unique piece isn’t just a collector’s item -  it’s a symbol of prosperity, positive energy, and timeless charm.

In Japan, large maneki neko cats like this one were once gifted by friends and business associates to shop owners, celebrating new ventures and wishing them prosperity. The bigger the cat, the bigger the luck - and this one is definitely large enough to make a statement. Traditionally, the name of the gift-giver would be painted on the back, making each piece a personal token of goodwill.

Created during Japan’s postwar economic boom, this vintage Tokoname-style maneki neko was designed by renowned artist Tomimoto Chikao in the Showa Era. The maneki neko remains one of the most beloved figures in Japan, symbolizing wealth and success, and is commonly seen in shops and traditional restaurants.

Handcrafted in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture - one of Japan’s six ancient kilns - this charming bob-tail cat has an endearing, chubby face and round body. Its wide, expressive eyes and upright ears give it an aura of wisdom and perceptiveness, making it an ideal guardian to attract good fortune to any space. The cat’s uniquely twisted black whiskers, shaped over time by hard work, add to its vintage charm, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece. The cat is a heavy piece as most older ones were.

With its left arm raised high, this lucky cat is poised to beckon important people, customers, wealth, and happiness into your life. A golden medallion decorated with the kanji for "good luck" (fuku) dangles from its floral collar, adding an extra touch of allure. The wide floral bib it wears represents family protection, enveloping your home with positive energy.

In its paws, the cat holds two ancient Japanese koban coins - symbols of great wealth. One coin is etched with the kanji shoun, meaning “increasing luck,” while the other reads sen man ryo - 10,000,000 ryo - a staggering fortune during Japan’s Edo period, when a ryo was a prized gold coin.

Though originally a bright white, this cat’s body has gracefully deepened to a rich, warm shade of yellow from the passage of time and accumulated dust, giving it a wonderful vintage patina. While white is traditionally the most popular color for maneki-neko, believed to bring all kinds of luck, attract purity, and evoke optimism, this unique hue enhances its charm even further.

In structurally very good vintage condition with no cracks or chips, this cat has the gentle signs of age that give it a warm, inviting presence. 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!

- measures around 47 cm (18.5”) tall x 31 cm (12.2”) wide x 26 cm (10.2’) deep.
- weighs 6.500 gm.

(listing for black maneki neko only)

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 known 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 its haunches, facing front on, with one arm raised. This clay cat remained the only style of cat in 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.