The fascinating history behind the popular ‘waving lucky cat’
The fascinating history behind the popular ‘waving lucky cat’
- May 3, 2021
- Bill Maurer, anthropology, and undergrads, National Geographic, May 3, 2021
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The “Chinese waving cat” is well-known—visually, at least. … With a raised paw, pointy red ears, and coins and other accessories, maneki-neko have been bringing in luck and prosperity for centuries—and while the iconic statutes have varied origin stories, they all begin in Japan. … According to an undergraduate research project led by Bill Maurer, professor of anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, the figurines date back to the Meiji Period (1868–1912). [Subscription required, you can request an electronic copy of the article by sending an email to communications@uci.edu.]
For the full story, please visit https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/the-fascinating-history-behind-the-popular-waving-lucky-cat.
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