Maneki Neko means “Beckoning Cat: and is an engimona, “auspicious object” and their production began in the Edo Period (1658-1868) and continues to this day. Maneki Neko are believed to have the power to fulfill wishes for good fortune, prosperity and happiness. A raised left paw invites luck and good fortune to a business; a right paw beckons good fortune, health and happiness to a home. The color white represents happiness and satisfaction, gold refers to prosperity and good fortune and black symbolizes safety and drives away evil. The gallery photographs come from an exhibition in the San Francisco Airport seen when passing and the reflections and glare are produced by the protective cases. These examples represent wood carving, metal work, styles associated with specific Japanese cities or prefectures and fired objects from specific kilns.
