Collect Maneki Neko Figures

Here’s the back of my kitty, showing the red bow.

Pictures are courtesy of Kathy at MAKES PURRFECT SCENTS on ebay. I got my neko from her, if you want maneki nekos for yourself, she’s very nice to do business with.

This one is so sweet, she’s white (purity) with pink plum blossoms all over. She has a red ribbon and bell painted on her neck. Her left arm is raised, inviting positive things to come, like happiness. This little kitty is 2” tall and 1.5” wide.

There is special meaning to her plum blossoms: they represent new life and overcoming adversity because the colder a winter it is, the better they thrive and blossom. Taiwan and China have both unofficially claimed it as representative of their countries. So my little maneki neko is a Japanese concept that spread to other parts of Asia, including China, and the blossoms connect it to China and Taiwan! :)

He’s about 1.75” tall, clear red, acrylic I think, left paw raised. The manufacturer listed red as lucky in love and romantic matters. Left paw up means he’s welcoming people (instead of money). He’s wearing a bell and holding a koban.

I don’t know why, but it seems like a good idea. I could use the luck. And they’re so cute!