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| First of all, what are Maneki Nekos? Maneki Nekos are beckoning cat figurines that are displayed to bring good luck - or ward off bad luck. They always have one paw raised and are generally placed in the home or in a store, to invite people or luck. They traditionally wear a red collar with a golden bell. The color of a Maneki Neko is symbolic of its purpose: Tri-colored = The most popular, generally considered the luckiest White = Invites purity Black = Wards off evil or bad luck Red = Exorcises demons Pink = Invites love Gold = Attracts wealth There are legends about the origins of these lucky Japanese cat figurines that date as far back as the 17th century, in the Edo Period in Tokyo. For more information, you can visit The Maneki Neko Club and read about these adorable critters, with their sweet faces and noble intentions. How can you not fall in love with them? |
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| I began collecting Maneki Nekos for fun about 13 years ago. I'd show the pictures of them, but there are just so many. I have plaques, wall hangings, key chains, and a display case full of them. Some are plastic, some are ceramic; Some were cheap, others were pricey - but they're all just cute as little bugs and never fail to lift my spirits when I feel the need to look at a perpetually cute inanimate object staring tirelessly at me. Then, on a whim, I recently started painting them, but with slightly non-traditional symbolism and colors. First, I painted one on a mirror that I got for free from a frame shop (they were going to throw it out because it was cut the wrong size - can you believe that?!?) Then, I painted a rather large one in my parents' house in the guest bedroom that ended up being about 2 1/2 feet tall. Following that, I painted a festive little Maneki Neko holding a piece of cake and sitting on lotus petals for my daughter's 2nd birthday party invitation. Then, I started painting little ones on 5x7 canvases...wheee! You can click each of my Maneki Nekos below to enlarge them. More will be coming soon. Meow! |
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| Copyright 2003-2006 and beyond, by Rachelle Rose. Written permission must be obtained from Rachelle Rose before storing, copying, or reproducing any of the content on this page. Thank you to manekinekoclub.com for the reference information! |
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| Birthday Maneki Neko |
| Brainy Maneki Neko |
| Texas Maneki Neko *SOLD* |
| Baby Girl Maneki Neko |
| Janine Maneki Neko |
| Cordon Bleu Maneki Neko |
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| Punk Maneki Neko |
| Tiny Tim Maneki Neko |
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| Time Cat Maneki Neko |
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| Sushi Maneki Neko |
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| My lovely and talented friend Lisa, from mylittlechicken.com, made this cute little kitty for me. Thanks, Lisa! |
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| Kabuki Maneki Neko |
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| Halloween Maneki Neko |
| *Would you like to play a game?* Click the Maneki Neko on the left for a kitty adventure, created for me by my amazingly talented friend, WWhite! |
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| Orange Maneki Neko |
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| Happy Travels Maneki Neko |
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| American Flag Maneki Neko *SOLD* |
| Photography Maneki Neko |
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| Maneki Neko with Fish *SOLD* |
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| Child's T-shirt *SOLD* |
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| Usually, I create things for friends and loved ones. Sometimes I keep my creations for myself. Sometimes I sell them. If you're curious to see if I've got anything for sale, click the auction button. |
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| Toddler T-shirt *SOLD* |
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| Kabuki and Kabinky custom T-shirts *SOLD* |
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| Maneki Neko on Purple PIllow *SOLD* |
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| The recent addition to my collection: A self-designed Maneki Neko tattoo... |
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| Maneki Neko switchplate cover: Made with DUCT TAPE! |
| Hey! Guess what! I've just been handed over the cat collar to own and manage a Maneki Neko webring. Would you like to join it? If you feature Maneki Nekos on your website, you are most humbly invited! |