Maneki-Neko
The maneki-neko (招き猫, literally “beckoning cat”) is a common Japanese figurine which is believed to bring good luck to the owner.
The figurine depicts a cat holding a koban (oval gold coin) with a paw raised in a beckoning gesture. Despite how it might look to some Westerners, the cat is not waving. This is an interesting cultural difference. The Japanese beckoning gesture is made by holding up the hand, palm down, and repeatedly folding the fingers down and back, just …
