Our Maneki-Neko Lucky Cat Pendant in 18k Gold and The Beckoning Cat Guide
Anastasia Gardner, founder of Valentina Fine Jewellery in Ho Lee Fuk restaurant Hong Kong
Lucky Cat History and Meaning
At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we love the Lucky Cat aka "Maneki-Neko" as it's lovingly known in Japan.
In Japanese language, "Maneki" means beckoning or inviting, and "Neko" means cat, therefore Maneki-Neko literally translates to beckoning cat, which is what these symbolic cat figurines are.
Whilst the lucky cat first originated in Japan, today it is sold and displayed all over Asia, in particular in Hong Kong - where we are based. Almost every shop and business here in Hong Kong has one of these beautiful decorative figurines placed for luck and to attract customers. Either left or right paw of the lucky cat is raised - to beckon good fortune in.
The lucky cat is typically placed at the front entrance of the house or the shop facing the entrance some place high up, to allow fortune and luck to enter.
The lucky cat today makes a great gift or a souvenir to bring home from travelling to Hong Kong, whether in a charm or a statue form.
What Is The Lucky Cat Holding?
If you look at the lucky cat, you will notice it is holding an item with black writing in its hand. This is a gold coin called "Koban" which was used a long time ago.
This design became popular in 1950 prior to which the cat did not have a Koban coin, but just the bell around its neck.
Different Colour Lucky Cats Equals Different Luck
Gold & Yellow - gold lucky cats are said to bring financial good fortune and wealth - and we made our lucky cat in luxurious 18k yellow gold for extra luck!
White - lucky white cat is believed to invite all kinds of luck.
Black - whilst black cats are often thought of as unlucky in the rest of the world, in Japan they have long been said to ward off evil spirits and protect peace and prosperity of the home.
Red - red cats invite good health and longevity and to guard against evil spirits.
Pink - these are said to invite fulfilment of love wishes.
Blue - these are known to attract peace, harmony, and happiness within the family.
Green - green cats help to concentrate towards studies and ward off illness as green colour is known to help healing.
29th September - Maneki-Neko Day in Japan
In Japan, September 29th is designated as "Maneki-Neko no Hi," a day to celebrate the beautiful lucky cat.
The day began in 1995 by a group of lucky cat enthusiasts called The Association for Maneki-Neko Japan.
Why 29th September you ask? Well, this day was chosen is due to a play on words. In Japanese, 9 can be read as "Ku" and 2 can be read as "Fu," so 9.29 represents the phrase 来る福 - "Kuru Fuku" meaning - Come, Good Fortune!
Each year on this day in Japan, various Maneki-Neko theme events are held throughout the country.
Craftsmanship of Our Lucky Cat Pendant
We wanted to design something that is very symbolic and reminiscent to Hong Kong to honour the wonderful place we call home.
We designed our Lucky Cat Pendant with great love and attention. Anastasia, the founder of Valentina Fine Jewellery personally hand selected beautiful Rubies and Tsavorite Garnets on a trip to Bangkok and black diamonds for eyes.
The cat's weight is a chunky 7.6 grams of 18k yellow gold, the weight feels wonderful and heavy.
We added a locket door at the back, should you wish to store something special and important to you. The locked door has a "Fu" symbol cutout. "Fu" means luck, and we hope owning and wearing this beautiful decorative cat pendant will bring you good fortune, prosperity and luck.
We wish each and every client of ours good health and good fortune. Shop our Maneki-Neko lucky cat pendant here.
