Yellow Mori Lucky Cat

This yellow lucky cat, or maneki neko, has a cute figure with both hands raised. 

The yellow lucky cat is believed to bring about good relationships and fortune, inviting happiness and good connections in various aspects of life. Furthermore, it is also said to enhance your financial luck.

The pattern is painted using the mori-e technique, similar to slip trailing. A thick paint is squeezed out of an icchin, a dispenser with a fine tip, and the patterns are carefully painted onto the surface. Mori-e adds a decorative pattern and tactile texture to a smooth porcelain surface. 

A lucky cat with its right hand raised is said to "invite money," while a lucky cat with its left hand raised is said to "invite people." Thus, a lucky cat with both its right and left hands raised is said to bring money and customers.

In the old days, Japanese farmers living with cats were said to prosper without crop damage because cats would drive away rats that damaged their crops.

Today, the lucky cat is popular as a charm of good financial fortune. You can coordinate this Japanese figurine with various interior items in your home.

Choho Kiln

Choho Kiln was founded by Nishi Chosaku, who, together with his brother Taikichi, pioneered the application of mori-e to Kutani ware figurines in the late Taisho period (1912–1926 CE). Originally used on flat surfaces, this raised enamel technique proved exceptionally suited to sculptural works such as maneki neko, lucky cats, and soon became a defining decorative method for Kutani porcelain figures.

Today, the third generation preserves the mori-e tradition while continuing to explore new possibilities within this decorative Kutani ware style.

Kutani Ware

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow 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.