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.