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 supposedly symbolic of its purpose: Tri-colored (calico) = The most popular, generally considered the luckiest White = Invites purity and good luck Black = Wards off evil or bad luck Red = Invites good health 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, I invite you to research them online or at the library and read about these adorable critters, with their sweet faces and noble intentions. How can you not fall in love with them? |
I began collecting Maneki Nekos several decades ago. 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 started painting them, but with slightly non-traditional symbolism and colors. First, I painted one on a mirror that I got as free scrap from a frame shop. Then, I painted one as a wall mural in my parents' house. Following that, I painted a festive Maneki Neko holding a piece of cake and sitting on lotus petals for my kid's 2nd birthday party invitation. Then, I started painting little ones on 5x7 canvases...wheee! Some I kept, some I sold, and others were given as gifts. Meow! |
Copyright 2002-2021 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. |
Birthday Maneki Neko |
Brainy Maneki Neko |
Texas Maneki Neko |
Baby Girl Maneki Neko |
Janine Maneki Neko |
Cordon Bleu Maneki Neko |
Punk Maneki Neko |
Tiny Tim Maneki Neko |
Time Cat Maneki Neko |
Sushi Maneki Neko |
My lovely and talented friend Lisa, from the former site mylittlechicken.com, made this cute little kitty for me. Thanks, Lisa! |
Kabuki Maneki Neko |
Halloween Maneki Neko |
Orange Maneki Neko |
Happy Travels Maneki Neko |
American Flag Maneki Neko |
Photography Maneki Neko |
Maneki Neko with Fish |
Child's T-shirt |
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 or what I'm creating lately, click the buttons below. Instagram or Facebook. |
Toddler T-shirt |
Kabuki and Kabinky custom T-shirts |
Maneki Neko on Purple PIllow |
Addition to my permanent collection: A self-designed Maneki Neko tattoo. |
Maneki Neko switchplate cover: Made with DUCT TAPE! |
Wishing you the very best luck! |