Maneki-neko Lucky Cat, Seto Ware

The beckoning cat has sat in Japanese shop windows since the nineteenth century. Seto, in Aichi, is where most of the good ones are still made, and this one is cast, glazed and painted by hand in a small family pottery. The raised left paw traditionally invites people; the red collar and gold bell are for protection and prosperity.

Each cat is slightly different in expression, which is rather the point. Comes in a kraft box with a short explanation of the tradition.