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| The Maneki Neko figure |
The Japanese are fond of the Maneki Neko figure, the “beckoning cat,” a cat sitting on hind legs with one paw raised in a kind of salute. The figures are often seen in Japanese stores, restaurants and hotels. Though made in various colors, they usually are white with red and black markings, and they may be made of metal, porcelain, pottery or wood.
Aside from the fact that they are simply cute, and that the Japanese are just generally fond of cats, they symbolize good luck and good health. The Maneki Neko is assumed to be of the Japanese Bobtail breed.
