Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the story behind the Japanese cat?
1 Answer
The story behind the Japanese cat traces back to ancient folklore. In the tale, a cat saves the life of a samurai who turns out to be quite wealthy. To show his thanks, the man made a very generous donation to the temple. In Japanese culture, cat sculptures and figurines are symbols of good luck and known as “maneki-neko.” Find a range of Japanese decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Japanese Cat on 1stDibs
Japanese Folk Art Sleeping Cat Sculpture 1900s-1940s / Primitive Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
In Japan, cats have long been familiar animals closely connected to everyday life.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Primitive Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese Lacquered Maki-E Natsume in Kodaiji Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jisho-ins are temples for Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism and origin place for the famous Japanese cat Jizo. There are many Jisho-ins across Japan, so it is not possible to know which...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Vintage Manekineko Cat Object 1970s
Located in Paris, FR
The figurine depicts a cat, traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a paw raised in a beckoning gesture.
Category
Vintage 1970s Japanese Showa Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
$273 Sale Price
25% Off
Japanese Porcelain Manekineko Cat Objet Blue 2000s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a manekineko lucky cat which was made in Japan around 2000s.
It is made with porcelain.
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The Maneki-neko is a Japanese figure that brings good luck and fortune.
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Showa Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Sleeping Cat Sculpture
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Japanese Kutani Porcelain Sleeping Cat Okimono, “Nemuri-Neko” Style, Taishō–Early Shōwa Period
A refined Japanese Kutani porcelain okimono depicting a peacefully sleeping cat, datin...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Animal Sculptures
Materials
Enamel
Japanese Fortune Manekineko Lucky Cat Object 1980s Showa
Located in Paris, FR
The figurine depicts a cat, traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a paw raised in a beckoning gesture.
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Showa Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
