Lucky cats - Lot of 6 red Maneki Neko - Fortune and protection

Lot of 6 small red lucky cats Maneki Neko

Several legends tell the story of this cat. One of them takes us to the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1867). Naotaka Ii, lord of Hikone district, was returning from a hunting trip when he was surprised by a thunderstorm. He took refuge under a tree opposite the entrance to a small dilapidated temple. In the square stood a seated cat who seemed to call him with his paw. Intrigued, Naotaka Ii approached the cat who seemed to invite him. He had barely reached the cat's side when lightning struck the tree. The cat had saved his life! Very moved, Naotaka Ii met the monk of the temple, a brave and very poor man who shared his meager rations with his cat Tama. The Lord became the benefactor of the temple, which eventually prospered and was renamed the Gotokuji Temple. When in Tama, at his death, he was buried with all honors and to remember his noble gesture, he was invented the Maneki Neko, the statuette of the welcoming cat.

The maneki neko are, whatever their color, symbols of fortunes. But red is a protective color that is believed to ward off evil spirits and disease.

Each little cat has a different symbol: we find in particular the Feng Shui Chinese fortune coin and the gold ingot (symbols of fortune and prosperity) or Chinese calligraphy.

Each cat measures 2.90 x 2.80 cm