Vintage Japanese Maneki-neko Clay Coin Bank, Late Showa era (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0185

Vintage Japanese Maneki-neko Clay Coin Bank, Late Showa era (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0185

A large-scale vintage lucky cat coin bank with hand-painted calico markings, a raised beckoning paw, and a gilt good-fortune pendant -- a rare find for collectors of Japanese folk art and Japandi-style decor.

A maneki-neko is a traditional Japanese lucky cat figurine believed to invite good fortune, prosperity, and happiness into the home or business. First popularized during the Edo period and mass-produced through the Showa era, maneki-neko were displayed prominently in shop entrances, restaurants, and family homes across Japan as protective talismans. This impressive example -- larger than most -- is modeled in clay with a matte white body decorated in the classic mike (tricolor calico) pattern: bold amber-ringed black spots on a cream ground, red-lined inner ears, and finely painted amber eyes with curled lash accents. A deep red collar, hand-detailed with green and gold foliate brushwork and white dot highlights, is tied with a painted ribbon knot at the back. From the collar hangs a cast oval pendant bearing auspicious characters, lending an air of ceremonial weight. The right paw is raised in the traditional beckoning gesture, and a coin slot is neatly inset at the back -- confirming this piece served the dual purpose of good-luck talisman and coin bank. Light age staining adds honest patina to this handcrafted Japanese folk piece.

At nearly 17 inches tall, this vintage maneki-neko makes a commanding statement far beyond a typical shelf figurine. Display it as a living room accent on a console or bookshelf, where its bold calico markings and cheerful raised paw draw the eye and spark conversation. It suits Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors equally well, pairing naturally with natural wood furniture, ceramics, and linen textiles. Cat lovers and collectors of Japanese vintage folk art will find it irresistible -- and it makes an exceptional housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate one-of-a-kind vintage Japanese craft with genuine history behind it.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Clay with hand-applied painted decoration; cast metal pendant
• Use: Good-luck talisman and coin bank for shops or homes
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent figurine; statement shelf decor in Japandi or wabi-sabi interiors; housewarming or collector gift
• Features: Large-format mike (tricolor calico) body; raised right beckoning paw; hand-painted amber eyes with lash detail; red collar with green and gold foliate brushwork and ribbon knot; cast oval pendant with auspicious characters; coin slot inset at rear; matte clay surface with light age patina
• Dimensions: 12"W x 11"D x 17"H
• Condition: Good -- light age staining and surface wear consistent with display use; no chips or cracks noted

A rare large-scale example of vintage Japanese folk art -- this maneki-neko lucky cat coin bank brings the warmth, charm, and good-fortune symbolism of Showa-era Japan into 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.