Large-Scale Classic Maneki Neko Beckoning Shop Cat

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25" (64 cm.) Beautiful large-scale example of the classic maneki neko beckoning shop cat from the Mikawa kilns, low fired clay figure of a seated cat on its haunches with a fat, full body, with its left paw raised, good facial modeling with yellow eyes, whiskers, bright expression, pert ears, rolled collar with gold painted designs, small diminutive tail in back, depicted with red and black spots, hollow clay structure done in the nagashikomi (poured mold) technique. Minor wear to pigments. 20th century. Maneki neko, also known as the lucky cat, is one of Japan's many contributions to universal popular culture and you find these cats gracing the cash registers of Asian restaurants around the world, sometimes with mechanized arms or holding golden coins. The original maneki neko, however, is purely Japanese, and evolved slowly as a potent good luck symbol. A raised right paw is usually seen as benefitting the home and domestic life, while the left paw was seen as favorable towards businesses and professional endeavors. Many kilns across Japan specialized in maneki neko, each adding their own distinctive element. The Mikawa kilns, located in central Japan, were famous for their large-scale and bold figures.