

Vintage Japanese Ceramic
Vintage Japanese “Rare” Maneki Neko Lucky Cat Bank
Age:1900s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 13-1/2”h x 8-1/2”w x 9-0”d
This expressive bank is hard to find and is not the typical small Maneki-Neko that you see all over the internet. It is a wonderful black and oversized Maneki-Neko bank made of ceramic, with a slot in its back to receive coins and a hole in the bottom for their removal (Japanese coins can be heard which remain in the bank). It is hand formed and painted in black, vermillion, and green enamel with a decorative pattern and tied bow collar, bib, and Japanese markings wishing good fortune on its attached collar pendant. It must be representing a female cat because of the expressive feminine eyes and retains its original whiskers and mesmerizing left paw raised, (the left paw raised is meant to attract customers and friends to the business or abode while the right paw invites good fortune and prosperity). The right lowered paw is holding an old-fashioned coin which further confirms its age. A small indication of its tail flipping up onto his back. The piece was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka in 1979.
Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing slight wear from age and use and people touching his paw to bring them good fortune, and has developed a wonderful patina commensurate with age. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and has a paper-covered opening on the bottom to remove coins.
Additional Information: Japanese legend holds that long ago an emperor was traveling on horseback when he spotted a small cat waving at him. After the emperor dismounted from his horse to get a closer look the horse was struck by lightning and killed. Subsequently, the emperor pronounced that cats in general should be respected as sacred animals, and thus was born the legend of the beckoning Maneki Neko. This is just one of several popular tales regarding the origin of Japan’s most famous cat. The legendary kitty has been transformed from an emperor saving Samaritan to a bringer of money and good fortune to all Japanese, (just like the emperor’s savior).
... Read more