10 inch white maneki neko, japanese lucky cat, traditional paper mache takasaki maneki neko, japanese lucky charm hotsell

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10 inch white maneki neko, japanese lucky cat, traditional paper mache takasaki maneki neko, japanese lucky charm

(listing for cat only)

A wonderful Takasaki paper mache, lucky maneki neko cat; a local handicraft of Gunma Prefecture. Production of these cats started around the Taisho era (1920's) and the style has remained unchanged with techniques being passed down through generations.

These cats are not your usual paper mache! They are strong, substantial and quite heavy. They are thickly coated with a mineral pigment paint to give them form and life.

This cat is painted white with accents of orange around the eyes, along the arm and surrounding the body designs, creating a shadow effect that gives dimension to the figure. It's naive, hand painted facial expression is adorable!

Just like the original cats, this lucky cat, is covered with auspicious words and symbols. On the cats bib, shofuku has been written, meaning ‘bring in good luck,' and there are pretty plum blossoms either side of the kanji. Plum blossoms are thought to ward of evil and give the resilience to overcome adversities. The cats bib represents protection of one's family.

Two old, Japanese, gold oban coins, symbols of wealth, are painted on the cat's body. On one of the coins, ooiri kanau (a shop full of customers) has been written (it is partially covered) and on the other coin, ichiman ryo (10,000 ryo). In the Edo period, a ryo was a gold coin and 10,000 ryo signified a huge fortune at that time!

The cat has it's long, right arm raised, beckoning in money and good fortune for ones family. It is a larger size, and as with most engimono, (good luck items), a bigger item is thought to bring bigger luck your way!

Kaiun-ji temple, just outside of Takasaki, uses the Takasaki maneki neko as their temple omamori (good luck charm). A big stone statue of the cat sits at the entramce. Lou went to this temple especially to obtain this piece and it was blessed by the temple priest upon purchase.

A lovely traditional folkcraft, the cat makes a great interior accent and a great piece for a business or shop. The end of the year is drawing near and its time to start preparing your engimono to usher in a new year full of happiness, hope and good fortune!

- measures 25 cm (9.8”) tall x 15 cm (5.9”) across x 14 cm (5.5”) deep.
- weighs 500 gm.

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- please read the shipping notes in our shop announcement.

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TAKASAKI MANEKI NEKO
While most regions produced clay dolls, Gunma prefecture and, especially Takasaki City, become well known for it's hariko ningyo (paper mache dolls); the most notable being their tumble toy paper mache daruma.

The origins of this tradition date back to the Meiwa Era (1764-1772), when the head priest at Shorin Temple was asked to carve a Daruma as an engimono (good luck charm) for the local farmers.

Paper mache maneki neko also became another popular local good luck charm in this area. From the Edo period, silk worm farming had existed as an important secondary income for farmers until the industry's collapse in the 1960's. The maneki neko dolls were believed to be engimono that would protect crops and bring good fortune.

The Takasaki maneki neko appeared around the Taisho era (1912-1926). It is known for its high reaching paw and it's big wide eyes, searching and beckoning for good fortune from afar! It also has interesting, long radiating whiskers and eyebrows. Sometimes the cat is decorated with a gold coin or other good luck symbols such as Ebisu and Daikoku, the gods of wealth and commerce. Often the Takasaki daruma image is incorporated into the design,

PLUM BLOSSOMS
In Japan the plum tree (ume) is the first to bud and blossom in the late winter, even when it's limbs may remain snow-laden: the plum gives us hope, showing us that spring and new opportunities for beauty and joy are just around the corner. Unfazed by the cold, the blossoms are associated with good health, strong endurance, and the ability to overcome the adversity of winter.

While hanami (flower-viewing festivals) are now associated with cherry blossoms, it was plum blossoms that first started this Japanese tradition. Plum blossom season became an event and the upper class would plan parties and events to behold the awakening trees.

In Japanese tradition the plum tree is celebrated as a protective charm against evil, so the trees are traditionally planted in the northeast of the garden, the direction from which evil is believed to come.

As spring welcomes the farming season, plum blossoms also symbolize prosperity. Bountiful crop harvests and good fortune are likewise associated.

The plum in full bloom can be appreciated for only a short time. As such the plum tree is a reminder that life is short; we should live it to the full taking the chances given in each moment.

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.

ENGIMONO
Engimono are charms that bring good luck for such things as an abundant harvest, successful business, loving relationships or good health. Engimono are often available at New Year events in shrines and temples. They are also popular souvenirs, bought when travelling to different places in Japan. There is a variety of Engimono in different areas in Japan. These good luck charms have been passed down through history. Some popular engimono are Eto ornaments (the 12 Japanese zodiac animals), Shinobu Goma, a lucky horse for a good harvest from Iwate Prefecture and Aka Beko a red paper mache cow with a swinging head from Fukushima, thought to fend off evil and disease. Some other well known engimono are Daruma, Tanuki, Shisa and Maneki neko

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MANEKI NEKO, please read our blog "Japanese Lucky Cat - Tip and Facts". https://www.japandownunder.com/lucky-cat/