Lucky Cat 10004-HS

Origin of the Fortune Cat

Lucky Cat (Japanese: 招き猫) is said to have originated in China more than 1,000 years ago, and the other is originated in Japan. It is a common cat-shaped idol decoration in Japanese traditional culture and is regarded as a kind of lucky mascot. Its history can be traced back to Edo more than 400 years ago.

Lucky cats are usually made of ceramics, usually white, in the form of one hand raised above the head, making a gesture of inviting others. Generally, the lucky cat raises left hand to signify fortune; raises right hand to signify wealth; raising both hands at the same time means that “wealth” and “fortune” come together. In addition, the golden bell hanging on the chest of the lucky cat also has the meaning of good luck, wealth, fortune, and fate. The beckoning cats of different colors represent the different wishes of the owner, and express the eternal hope of happiness, satisfaction, and good luck.

招财猫（日文：招き猫 ）一说起源于1000多年前的中国，另外一说则起源于日本，是日本传统文化中常见的猫型偶像摆设，被视为一种招财招福的吉祥物，其历史可以追溯到四百多年前的江户。

招财猫通常采用陶瓷制作，一般为白色，形态为其中一手高举至头顶，作出向人招来的手势。一般招财猫举左手表示招福；举右手则寓意招财；两只手同时举起，就代表“财”和“福”一起到来的意思。此外，招财猫胸前挂着的金铃，也有开运、招财、招福、缘起之意。不同颜色的招财猫代表了主人不同的愿望，表达了人类亘古不变的对幸福、美满、好运的希冀。