Japanese Kiyomizu-style lucky cat with painted Oka-turtle design

Japanese Kiyomizu-style lucky cat with painted Oka-turtle design

Dimensions: Height 14.5cm, Width 9cm

Materials: Porcelain hand-painting

Product Description:

The Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) painted with enamel overlay is a testament to both craftsmanship and cultural significance: it is meticulously glazed and fired by artisans using a hand-thrown ceramic pottery wheel.

The surface is decorated with delicate brushstrokes depicting kimono patterns, accented with gold trim. The surface has a warm luster, and the variations in brushstroke thickness and layering are visible.

Full of handmade warmth 🎨✨.

In terms of design, the lucky cat is dressed in a kimono, decorated with typical Japanese patterns such as cherry blossoms, flowing water, and cloud patterns, with elegant and rhythmic colors. The cat's posture is the classic beckoning gesture for good fortune, but its expression incorporates the gentleness and solemnity of traditional masks (such as Okame or Noh masks), as if wearing the charm and beauty of classical Japanese dance on its face, which is both friendly and has a sense of historical weight.

This fusion transforms the piece from a lucky charm into a miniature cultural ritual: the lucky cat represents blessings and good fortune, while the mask symbolizes dance, theatrical performances, and the inheritance of rituals. The combination of the two brings a deeper historical and cultural atmosphere and a sense of story; upon closer inspection, one can see the kiln-transformed glaze, gold-lined edges, and the seal on the bottom, all of which are marks of the craftsman's identity and the memories of the era.

Suitable for display at the entrance, in a Buddhist shrine, or in a study, it can bring good fortune and wealth, and also serve as a starting point for conversations with visitors about Japanese art and theater culture; it also makes a thoughtful and tasteful gift 🎁🙌.

Made in Japan

Kyoto Kiyomizu ware crafts

The surface of the lucky cat is coated with a floral crystalline glaze, showcasing a unique crystalline effect that adds an artistic and layered feel. The glaze is smooth and exudes a natural luster, making the overall design more textured.

The Kiyomizu-yaki lucky cat is not only a home decoration, but also an elegant work of art, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and cultural connotations.

Kiyomizu ware is a type of pottery with a long history, mainly made at the entrance to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan – Gojo-zaka.

It is part of Kyo-yaki, a type of pottery whose development is closely linked to the tea ceremony and has been widely practiced in the foothills of Higashiyama since the early Edo period.

Kiyomizu ware holds an important place in Japanese ceramics due to its unique craftsmanship and beautiful appearance.

And it continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.

SW-F290