Lucky cat - Maneki Neko

Gangu is a lucky charm toy made in the shape of a cat raising its front paws as if inviting people. It is said that this tradition began during the Tenmei era (1781-89) in the Edo period in Ryogoku, Edo, where a brothel called "Gold and Silver Cat" displayed gold and silver beckoning cats in front of its store. After that, clay beckoning cats were actively produced in Imado, Asakusa, and they became a representative Imado ware. As beckoning cats are believed to attract customers and bring good fortune, they are still enjoyed by entertainment districts and restaurants today. In the Kanto region and other areas, papier-mâché versions are sold at Daruma fairs. It is said that they are mainly purchased by farmers as they are believed to scare away mice, which are harmful to silkworms.

[Ryosuke Saito]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

猫が前足をあげて人を招くような形につくった縁起物玩具(がんぐ)。江戸時代、天明(てんめい)年間（1781～89）江戸・両国に「金猫銀猫」という売色店（女郎屋）があり、金銀を彩色した招き猫を店頭に飾ったのがおこりという。その後、浅草の今戸で土製が盛んにつくられ、今戸焼の代表的なものになった。招き猫は客を呼び込み福を招く縁起から、現在も花柳界や飲食店などで喜ばれている。また関東地方などでは張り子製のものが達磨(だるま)市で売られる。カイコの害敵のネズミを追い払う意味からおもに農家が買い求めるといわれる。

［斎藤良輔］

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