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Maneki-Neko Mini Figures in Glass Domes: What the Raised Paw, Colours and Gold Ingot Mean, and What to Check Before Buying
A look at the three-piece maneki-neko mini figure set sold by Loop KOBE (a white beckoning cat, a red daruma cat and a white cat holding a gold ingot), using the shop's own photos. We cover what the raised paw and colours are commonly said to mean, the ingot and daruma motifs, handling the glass dome and cork base, and what to check before buying.
Written by Koetsu Co., Ltd.
Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat, is a familiar lucky charm in Japanese shops and homes, and it also comes as small figures that sit in the palm of your hand. Using the shop's own listing photos, this guide introduces a three-piece maneki-neko mini figure set sold by Loop KOBE on Mercari Shops, explains what the paws and colours are commonly said to mean, and lists what to check before buying a figure in a glass dome.
What is in the set
According to the product page, the set contains three mini maneki-neko figures, each with its own glass dome and cork base, ready to display. The three are listed as a white beckoning cat, a red daruma cat and a white cat with a gold ingot (kin genpō). They are sold only as a set of three, not individually.
| Figure | What it looks like | Motif |
|---|---|---|
| White beckoning cat | A white cat with one paw raised, holding a small red item | The classic beckoning pose |
| Red daruma cat | A round cat shaped like a red daruma doll | The daruma (roly-poly) shape |
| White cat with gold ingot | A white cat holding a gold ingot shape | The yuanbao ingot, an old Chinese symbol of wealth |
Inside each dome is a red backing card printed with a knotted-cord design. In the photos of the ingot cat and the daruma cat, the character 旺 (prosperous) is visible on the card. The set's name, 招財納福, literally means "invite wealth and receive good fortune".
Right paw or left paw?
There is a common explanation for which paw is raised. JAL's SKYWARD+ site says a cat raising its left paw is called hito-maneki (beckoning people) and is associated with good business and good relationships, while a raised right paw is said to invite money and good luck.
In our photo, the white beckoning cat raises the paw on the right as you face it, which is the cat's own left paw. These meanings are later interpretations, though, and explanations vary between makers and regions. Treat them as part of the fun and choose the face and pose you like best.
Colours, ingots and daruma
The same article lists common colour meanings: white for good luck and business, red for warding off illness and staying healthy, black for protection against bad luck, and gold or yellow for money luck. This set combines two white cats and one red daruma cat.
The gold ingot, or yuanbao, is the lucky shape of old Chinese gold and silver ingots and is widely used as a symbol of wealth. The daruma doll rights itself when knocked over, which is why it is loved in Japan as a symbol of getting back up after setbacks. Combining a maneki-neko with a Chinese-style ingot and the character 旺 gives these figures a slightly different feel from traditional Japanese maneki-neko.
Handling the glass dome and cork base
The product page notes that the domes are made of glass and should be handled with care. Lift each piece with both hands, base and all, and avoid places where it could easily fall, such as the edge of a shelf or a window sill. Keep it out of reach of small children and pets.
Cork absorbs moisture easily, so a dry, soft cloth is the safest way to remove dust. The product page does not state the material or size of the figures, so if you need them to fit a particular space, ask the shop before buying.
Checklist before buying
- Sold only as a set of three; individual figures cannot be chosen
- The large cat figure and props in the background are not included
- The domes are glass, so choose a safe spot
- Size and material are not listed; ask the shop if you need them
- The product page states the item was bought overseas (in China)
The set is sold through Loop KOBE on Mercari Shops. Stock, price and shipping can change, so please check the product page for the latest details.
