A vintage Maneki Neko 招き猫 lucky cat figurine by 王様印 (Ōsama-jirushi, “King Label”), made in the tradition of Tokoname ware 常滑焼, one of Japan’s well-known ceramic production areas in Aichi Prefecture. This piece has a warm, nostalgic Showa-era character, with hand-painted details in red, green, yellow, black and gold tones.
“King Label” was a vintage brand associated with Eiwa Shōten 永和商店, a ceramic and doll wholesaler/manufacturer based in Aichi Prefecture, around the Tokoname and Handa area. Active mainly during the Shōwa period, especially from around the 1950s to 1970s, the brand produced ceramic figurines, folk crafts, lucky charms, and coin-bank style ornaments. Today, 王様印 pieces are appreciated by collectors of Japanese retro ceramics and nostalgic folk objects.
The cat raises one paw in the classic beckoning gesture, inviting good fortune, customers, and prosperity. It wears a decorative collar with a bell and holds a large gold coin meaning wealth, prosperity, and fortune. The expression is especially endearing, with large black eyes, fine whisker lines, red inner ears and softly rounded features.
A delightful Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼 Maneki Neko with strong retro character, perfect for collectors of Japanese lucky cats, Showa-era folk crafts, vintage ceramics, and traditional shop or home decorations.
Size: 15 x 14 x 23cm
