Maneki Neko cats with an upraised beckoning paw are popular in Japan. They come in many sizes and styles. They are believed to bring good luck, and they are often called Lucky Cats. Maneki Neko usually have something around their neck such as a collar, bell, bib, or scarf.
The postcard above is dated1985 and was made for 1986, which was the Year of the Tiger. Sending New Year postcards is popular in Japan. I'm not sure whether this postcard would have been used just for New Years or throughout the year. I have some other Japanese "cat" cards that I bought at the same time, and some do say "Happy New Year." The cats on the postcards look like cute domestic pussy cats, but the stripes indicate that they are "tigers."
My ceramic Maneki Neko cat is 5-1/2" tall. It is labeled "Andrea by Sadek - Made in Japan." I bought it at an antique show and was told that it was originally bought about 1976.
The postcard above is dated1985 and was made for 1986, which was the Year of the Tiger. Sending New Year postcards is popular in Japan. I'm not sure whether this postcard would have been used just for New Years or throughout the year. I have some other Japanese "cat" cards that I bought at the same time, and some do say "Happy New Year." The cats on the postcards look like cute domestic pussy cats, but the stripes indicate that they are "tigers."
My ceramic Maneki Neko cat is 5-1/2" tall. It is labeled "Andrea by Sadek - Made in Japan." I bought it at an antique show and was told that it was originally bought about 1976.
18 comments:
Love all the variety of cats you shared for today. I really like the last one.
Happy VTT, early! And I've seen those kittys but didn't know the story...I always love your Thursday posts! even on Wed. night! lol
Tracy
My first time to see a white cat..I used to know the red cat from China who brings good luck too. Thanks for sharing!
VTT:Old door
I loved your story and your your little kitty is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing and Happy VTT. Have a lovely week.
i've always had a soft spot for Maneki Neko cats..yours is very special :)
That is all very interesting. I didn't know what these cats were called. thanks for getting me up to speed. They are great!
The many, many Asian traditions are so very interesting.
This is the right blog to add to the Vintage Valentine Card Party right? If so, you are added. come by and pick the button you want to use for your post or sidebar. Since the voting is so close I've decided that people can pick the one they want. Thanks for joining. This is right up your alley! xo Joan
You sure have a great collection of postcards! And I love cat. May it bring you lots of good luck!
Happy VTT!
Carol
Cute kitties. I love seeing your collection of post cards. And the little stories behind them.
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com
Japanese cats are so sweet-I like the statues better than the real cats they give me asthma!
I don't like cats but I liked you post, again!
I'm not a cat lover but your ceramic kitty is adorable.
Happy belated New Year from Normandy
Maggie
I love the ceramic cat it is so cute! Thanks for sharing.
OMG! This is awesome! I have wanted a Lucky Cat for a long time and yours is quite unique! Very neat!
Cool!
I have a Maneiko Neko bank, but it's new. Whenever I'll put money in, I'll think of yours :)
These are so cute...I did not know the story behind them, and so glad to know that now..Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!
Very interesting and the ceramic cat is adorable! I love that the stripes on the cute kitties make them tigers!
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