Maneki-neko, Daruma and Japan's Good-Luck Charms
Japan has a whole family of good-luck objects, known as engimono. They welcome customers, help wishes come true and protect households, and many are made by traditional craftsmen in particular towns. Old examples are charming folk art, and they are collected for their character as much as their meaning.
Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat
The beckoning cat raises one paw in the Japanese gesture for come here. Tradition generally says a raised left paw invites customers and a raised right paw invites money, though local customs vary. Several temples and shrines in Tokyo claim the legend of the first beckoning cat. Ceramic cats are made in great numbers in Tokoname, and older examples in clay, papier-mâché and porcelain from the Edo to Shōwa eras are particularly collected.
Daruma
The daruma is a round papier-mâché figure based on Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen, who is said to have meditated for so long that his limbs withered. Weighted at the base, a daruma always rights itself when knocked over, a symbol of perseverance. Daruma are sold with blank eyes: you paint in one eye when making a wish and the second when it comes true. Takasaki in Gunma is the most famous centre of daruma making.
Other charms
- Kumade. Decorated bamboo rakes for raking in good fortune, sold at autumn markets.
- Akabeko. A red cow with a nodding head from Aizu, believed to ward off illness.
- Inu-hariko. A papier-mâché dog given to protect children and ease childbirth.
- Regional toys. Hundreds of local papier-mâché and clay toys, each tied to a shrine, festival or legend.
Collecting old charms
- Look for hand painting, natural ageing and traditional materials such as papier-mâché, clay and wood.
- Older figures often show makers' marks, labels or stamps from particular towns or temples.
- Paper and papier-mâché can crack, fade and suffer insect damage. Check bases and seams.
- Keep pieces out of direct sun and away from damp, and handle papier-mâché gently.