Japanese Beckoning Cat (Maneki Neko)
An old Japanese tradition, the Maneki Neko has become a popular collector’s item all over the globe.
The Maneki Neko (literally “Beckoning Cat”; also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money cat or Fortune Cat) is a Japanese sculpture often made of ceramic believed to give good luck to the owner. Often used in businesses– A raised left paw attracts customers while a raised right paw supposedly attracts money. The sculpture depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in restaurants and shops. The sculpture is based on the Japanese Bobtail cat breed.
Maneki Neko come in different colors, styles, and degrees of ornateness. In addition to sculptures, Maneki Neko can be found as keychai s, piggy banks, air fresheners, and miscellaneous ornaments.
The Many Varities Of The Maneki Neko. 
Each color of the Maneki Neko has a different meaning.
Tricolor Maneki Neko: The background is white with random black spots ringed with orange. This coloring is considered especially lucky and is the most popular color.
White Maneki Neko: White cats indicate purity and are the second most popular type.
Black Maneki Neko: Black Maneki Neko are believed to keep away evil and are especially popular with women.
Pink Maneki Neko: A newly popular color, pink Maneki Neko cats are associated with attracting love.
Red Maneki Neko: Red is a protective color and is believed to ward off evil spirits and illness.
Gold Maneki Neko: Associated with wealth.
Purple Maneki Neko: Sweet Dreams and is believed to Brings artistic strength.
Green Maneki Neko: Believed to bring academic achievement.
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August 7th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
We have a Maneki Neko cat figurine that was acquired from the trash in Hiroshima during WWII. He brought
it home and it has been in a vault since the war.
Would like to find out the value. Any suggestions.
It is white with brown spots on knees and back, raised
right paw. Red bow on back etched around the bow in gold