Shōwa-period Gold Ceramic Maneki-neko, Japan
A gold ceramic maneki-neko (まねきねこ) from Japan's Shōwa period. Formed in high-fired ceramic, it is coated all over in gold and decorated with red, green and silver dots; a collar is tied at its chest, and it holds a round coin bearing the image of “fuku” (good fortune). The raised right paw symbolizes beckoning connections / customers and good luck. Plump and rounded in form, with an endearing face, it is a typical Shōwa shop charm for drawing in business. (Structurally complete and stands steadily; the surface shows traces of storage over the years with some paint loss / scuffs, and the edges have mottled oxidation from age — as is usual for a vintage piece.)