Extra-small Japanese maneki-neko ("beckoning", or "lucky" cat) figures in yellow or black - handmade using the hariko technique. 

We have five sizes in this series in the traditional colours of yellow, black or white - that's a whole lotta luck!

dimensions
height: 11cm
width: 6cm
depth: 6cm
base: 4cm
weight: 70g

Hariko (papier-mâché) figure.
Handmade in Japan.

See our full range of contemporary and vintage Japanese hariko figures.

In Japanese, hariko means paper craft. It is said that this papier-mâché technique came down from China in around the Muromachi period. It spread around Japan and is commonly used for folk toys and figurines.

Here, it used to represent a maneki-neko ("beckoning" or "lucky" cat) - a ubiquitous figure in Japan that symbolises good luck or prosperity. Dating from the Edo period, this legendary figure represents a cat with either its left or right paw raised in a beckoning gesture, often found near the entrances of homes or businesses.