The Maneki Neko , literally "Beckoning Cat"; also known as Welcoming Cat, Money Cat,  Fortune Cat, he is often just called Lucky cat symbol of prosperity, fortune in business, and general good luck.

Maneki Neko can be found with either the right or left paw raised (and sometimes both). Maneki Neko comes in all sorts of colors. While originally the colors may have been simply decorative, different colors are now associated with different attributes.

• WHITE: White cats indicate purity.
• RED: Is a protective color, and is believed to keep away evil spirits and illness.
• GOLD: Gold color is associated with wealth.
• GREEN: Believed to bring academic achievement.
• BLUE, brings peace, or is believed to keep the bad spirits away.
• ORANGE: Energy and good health

The coin

Maneki Neko's are sometimes depicted holding a coin; usually a gold coin called a koban. The coin ties into the cat's role in bringing good fortune and wealth.

Origins

History

A frequent attribution to several Japanese Emperors, as well as to Oda Nobunaga and Samuri Li Naotaka, is that one day the luminary passed by a cat, which seemed to wave to him. Taking the cat's motion as a sign, the unknown nobleman paused and went to it. Diverted from his journey, he realized that he had avoided a trap that had been laid for him just ahead. Since that time, cats have been considered wise and lucky spirits.

Legends and stories

Maneki Neko is the subject of a number of legends. This is the most popular, explaining the cat's origins:

The Temple Cat: This story goes that a wealthy feudal lord was taking shelter under a tree near Gotoku-ji temple (in Western Tokyo) during a thunderstorm. The lord saw the temple priest's cat beckoning to him and followed; a moment later the tree was struck by lightning. The wealthy man became friends with the poor priest and the temple became prosperous. When the cat died, supposedly the first Maneki Neko was made in his honor.

This auction is for 10 Maneki Neko's (All of them the same design), hand casted, hand painted.  A nice addition to your Bonsai Display, Japanese Landscape,  Zen Meditation Garden. The back of the Maneki Neko's is flat and has a magnet, so you may place them on your refrigerator door.  

 PLEASE NOTE:

This auction is for 10 Maneki Neko's (Good Luck Cats). O-Torii Gate, Shoji screens and other decorations are not included in this auction.   If you are interested in O-Torii Gates, we will soon be offering them. 

Material: Poly Resin

No. of Pieces: 10

Approximate Size:  1 1/2"

Item No.: MN10WM2D 

Shipping & Handling: Auction Style Listing Flat $ 9.00 per set.