Known as “neko-men jizo” or “jizo with a cat face,” this particular type of stone welcoming cat has a long history which can be traced to an early legend involving a Tokyo area temple called Jisho-in. According to documents held at the temple, sometime during the mid-16th century there was an intense fight between two individuals: Toshima and Ota. While fighting, Ota became disoriented and stumbled upon a black cat which led him to the temple where he could recuperate. Upon regaining his strength, Ota was able to defeat Toshima. In gratitude for the little black cat which saved his life, Ota ordered that a stone jizo (a Buddhist saint) be fashioned in the shape of a cat. (A similar example can be found in Figure 4 of “Maneki Neko: Feline Fact and Fiction” by noted authority Alan Pate, the cover story in DARUMA 11.)

Originally the term maneki neko referred to a cat’s supposed ability to charm and bewitch passersby. This connotation gave way to an auspicious interpretation, and today the maneki neko symbolizes a merchant’s success in attracting customers as well as a householder’s financial good fortune. Such cats sit upright, with one paw lifted in a welcoming gesture to “beckon in” customers or good fortune. These delightful creatures exhibit a raw individuality that makes them completely unpredictable. The older maneki neko possess an innocent charm and beauty that is the hallmark of Japanese folk art. It is exceedingly rare to find them executed in stone.