Vintage Japanese Maneki Neko Porcelain Lucky Cat Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-048-3

Vintage Japanese Maneki Neko Porcelain Lucky Cat Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-048-3

A hand-painted porcelain lucky cat figurine adorned with gold-gilded scrollwork, auspicious crests, and a rich red bib -- a charming symbol of good fortune from the Late Showa era.

A maneki neko is a traditional Japanese lucky cat figurine believed to invite good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to its owner. Originating in the Edo period and refined through the Meiji and Showa eras, the maneki neko became a beloved fixture in Japanese homes, shops, and restaurants. This vintage Japanese porcelain example raises its right paw high -- a gesture said to attract wealth and good luck -- and is dressed in a deep red bib collar with bold gold-gilded botanical motifs. A small bell hangs from the collar in classic maneki neko fashion. The white porcelain body is covered with delicate hand-painted green scrolling vines and repeated hexagonal family-crest-style medallions (mon) filled with gold botanical designs, giving this piece a refined, almost Kutani-influenced decorative quality. The facial detail is exceptionally fine, with expressive painted lashes, glossy black eyes, and soft blush tones on the muzzle -- hallmarks of skilled Japanese ceramic craftsmanship from this period.

Today, a vintage maneki neko like this makes a striking living room accent or entryway decor piece, welcoming good energy into any space. Its compact size suits a bookshelf vignette, a home office desk, or a window display in Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. It also makes a wonderful unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces and Japanophiles alike -- a meaningful housewarming gift that carries both beauty and a warm cultural wish for good fortune.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Glazed porcelain with overglaze enamel decoration in red and green, gold gilding, and a ceramic bell
• Use: Good luck talisman figurine; displayed in homes, businesses, and shops to invite fortune and prosperity
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; bookshelf or home office display figurine; unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics
• Features: Right paw raised in the classic welcoming gesture; richly decorated red bib collar with gold-gilded botanical motifs; white porcelain body covered with hand-painted green scrolling vine pattern and repeated hexagonal mon medallions with gold botanical fills; fine facial detail with painted lashes and glossy eyes; small ceramic bell suspended from the collar; decoration visible on all sides including the back and tail
• Dimensions: 4"W x 8"D x 4 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully detailed piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this maneki neko lucky cat brings both old-world charm and a timeless wish for good fortune to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.