Welcome to RubyredFox toy shop!

Welcome to RubyredFox toy shop!

We provide Maneki Neko Lucky Cats!   ^^

 

In the late 18th century, ceramic lucky cats like these began appearing in shops. Originally sought after by the restaurant industry, these cats typically feature a left paw raised to beckon customers and a right paw holding a koban gold coin, with larger-sized models primarily intended for business use. Conversely, smaller cats with their right paw raised, symbolizing happiness and wealth, are more commonly used in households. As the demand for these cats evolved, so did their materials, designs, and colors. Originating in Tokyo and spreading throughout Japan, lucky cats now vary greatly in material, with many crafted from locally-sourced materials. The most prevalent designs feature adorable, hand-painted figurines reminiscent of traditional Imari ware, followed by porcelain. With their charming appeal, lucky cats are believed to bring fortune and prosperity, with different meanings attributed to them based on factors such as their place of origin, gestures, and colors. In traditional Japanese culture, lucky cats are divided into two categories: the beckoning cat (maneki-neko) and the welcoming cat (omuko). The beckoning cat, often depicted as a male cat, raises its right paw, symbolizing the invitation of wealth, fortune, and good luck. Conversely, the welcoming cat, usually portrayed as a female cat, raises its left paw, symbolizing the cultivation of harmonious relationships and the attraction of numerous visitors. In Japan, it's common for businesses to display the welcoming cat, as it is believed that wherever there are crowds, there will also be wealth. Therefore, the presence of the welcoming cat is thought to attract prosperity and abundance. According to legend, a beckoning cat raising its right paw is believed to attract daytime customers, while raising its left paw is thought to bring in nighttime business or clients from specialized industries. Furthermore, the right paw symbolizes the arrival of wealth and prosperity, while the left paw signifies the attraction of continuous streams of people and booming sales. In Taiwan, where businesses thrive on both prosperity and bustling crowds, a unique variation of the lucky cat has emerged. Known as the Taiwanese-style lucky cat, it features both paws raised as if cheering "long live," along with a golden ingot hanging from its neck. This symbolizes the dual purpose of attracting wealth and customers, creating a dynamic and auspicious atmosphere for businesses. In the tradition of lucky cats, raising the right paw symbolizes "attracting wealth," while raising the left paw signifies "inviting blessings." When two lucky cats are used, one with its right paw raised and the other with its left paw raised, it represents the harmonious arrival of both wealth and blessings.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.