Charming & Cheerful Fortune Kitties

The Maneki Neko (招き猫), literally "Beckoning Cat"; also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat, Fortune Cat... is a common Japanese sculpture, often made of ceramic, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner.

Maneki Neko can be found with either the right or left paw raised (and sometimes both). The significance of the right and left raised paw differs with time and place. The most common belief is that the left paw raised brings in customers, while a right paw brings wealth and good luck.
**It is commonly believed the higher the raised paw, the greater the luck!




One of the most popular legend, explaining the cat's origin:

This story goes that a wealthy feudal lord was taking shelter under a tree near Gotoku-ji temple (in Western Tokyo) during a thunderstorm. The lord saw the temple priest's cat beckoning to him and followed; a moment later the tree was struck by lightning. The wealthy man became friends with the poor priest and the temple became prosperous. When the cat died, supposedly the first Maneki Neko was made in his honor.

***Info from the WWW.

Neko

Neko (B016)

A striking color combination, this red porcelain fortune kitty is accompanied with black onyx and red coral beads. The Janus-like (Roman God with two faces) red kitty has chinese characters that beckons for wealth on one side, and prosperity on the other.
-Bracelet measures approx. 19cm in length-
RM33

Meow Meow

Meow Meow (B015)

A delightful bracelet featuring a symphony of colorful cat's eye beads and a white porcelain fortune kitten charm hanging from a rhodium plated chain.
-Measures approx. 19.5cm in length-

RM30