HAPPY CAT DAY

HAPPY CAT DAY
Sculptural Array of 23 Waving Cats and 1 Antenna (Old Style), 2008

It was a joyous occasion. The opening of our shared studio space. We had a party and invited guests. Many people came and were merry. Some cats were given away to some guests as a gift. The cats were made in China. The party took place during the Olympic Games in China.

Background:
The Maneki Neko (literally „Beckoning Cat“; also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat, or Fortune Cat) is a common Japanese sculpture, often made of porcelain or ceramic, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. The sculpture depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed — many times at the entrance — in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. Some of the sculptures are electric or battery-powered and have a slow-moving paw beckoning. In the design of the sculptures, a raised right paw supposedly attracts money, while a raised left paw attracts customers.