Designer’s Neko brings together Imai Daruma NAYA’s artisanal skills with one of Japan’s cutest traditional symbols — the lucky manekineko cat.

A contemporary, monochrome artwork, the Designer’s Neko raises its paw to beckon good fortune and joy into the home. The curious design of mathematical symbols on its chest, “+ – = – +,” form the kanji character 幸, meaning “happiness” — a reminder that the negative aspects of life will always be balanced out by the positive. Across the Designer’s Neko’s side is written “Shiawase to wa kizuku koto” — "happiness is a gift" — an allusion to the Zen proverb “Every day is a good day.”

Designer’s Neko are handmade and individually painted. Each one is a unique piece of art conceived by Designer 2104, a product designer renowned for revitalizing traditional and cultural objects in Japan with new and innovative concepts.

Two sizes are available — a modest #2 at 14.5 cm tall, and a large #5 at 19.5 cm tall. Check out the Designer's Neko Black to see this white version's lucky cat companion.
Or for something even more striking, see our Platinum Designers Silver and Gold Neko.

Material: recycled paper, clay soil, paint
Size by height: #2 14.5 cm, #5 19.5 cm
Package dimensions: #2 - 15 x 15 x 15 cm, #5 - 19.5 x 18.5 x 22.5 cm
Made in Japan