Red Mori Lucky Cat 4.5 in

This adorable red lucky cat, or maneki neko, is painted using the mori-e technique, similar to slip trailing, which is characterized by raised decorative patterns. A thick paint is squeezed out of an icchin, a dispenser with a fine tip, and carefully applied to create intricate designs. Mori-e adds a tactile texture to the smooth porcelain surface, enhancing its visual appeal.

The vibrant red color of this lucky cat draws inspiration from the bright red berries of nandina, a plant considered auspicious in Japan. In the context of feng shui, red often symbolizes energy and vitality. The lucky cat with its right hand raised is said to bring good fortune to its owner.

In the past, Japanese farmers who lived with cats were believed to prosper, as the cats kept rats away from their crops. Over time, these feline companions became symbols of good fortune. Today, lucky cats are popular as charms for financial prosperity, and a lucky cat with its left hand raised is said to "invite people."

Choho Kiln

Chosaku Nishi, the founder of Choho Kiln studied the method of Mori-e with his brother Taikichi back in the Taisho period. Up till that time, this method was used to decorate flat surfaces. The brothers developed the idea of applying this method to Kutani Ware figurines as Chosaku had studied the basics of form, design and color mixing as a teenager. As it turned out, the Mori-e technique suited Kutani Ware figurines very well, and henceforth Mori-e became the mainstream decorating technique for Kutani Ware figurines.

The second generation Choho learned various techniques from his predecessor, trained many apprentices, and solidified the foundation of Choho Kiln. Today, Choho is the third generation of the Choho family, and is committed to preserving the tradition of Mori-e while seeking out new possibilities for this traditional technique.

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.