Bank - Fortune Cat - Blue

Fortune cats, or "maneki-neko" in Japanese, depict the calico Japanese bobtail and date back to the late 1850s, based on folklore from the 1620s.

Traditionally, these figurines were found near the entrance of restaurants, small businesses, service shops, hotels, and more. The upraised "beckoning" paw is meant to draw good fortune into the lives of the owners.

In Japan, you will now find these lucky cats in homes, too. Many come stamped or painted with text and characters with have many different meanings: good health, good luck, good harvest, good will, and much more. Over time, it became a tradition to thank your cat for any good it brought you by "feeding" it with coins. That is why many are now piggy banks.

Fortune cats are now so popular they come in every shape and size. As small as tiny key chains and ornaments, and as large as fountains. This one is a modest 6" tall and is also doubles as a piggy bank.

• Ceramic cat
• Good Fortune talisman
• Characters on front mean "Good Luck"

Start a maneki-neko tradition of your own.

Fun fact: Casey and Sloane - The STUFF Sisters - have had these cats in their lives since they were small children. Their "family by choice" elder, Ryoko Yamanaka, came into their lives when they were very young and many Japanese traditions and customs were adopted into their family's lives with her. If you visit our Store Location, you will find some of their personal collection above the entrance door. (See photo.)