Maneki Neko for sale?

[hover]

Hey everybody, odd request:

Ever been to a chinese restaurant and seen a gold cat statue with a motorized "arm" that waves? They're called "good fortune cats", and...i want one.

I went to my fave restaurant and asked them where they got theirs, and they really weren't any help to me. Really odd, actually. But it IS an odd request, so....

I then called a few restaurant supply stores, and they couldn't help me...maybe it's not so much a restaurant "staple" but it seemed like a pretty common ornament.

Why can't I find a good one anywhere? Ancient Chinese secret? Someone help me!



Like this, but the ones I've seen are gold, and that is what I want. And with the "waving leg".

Anyone? I know, kinda potentially gaudy, but I like it. Maki, you have a stash of them from your travels?

[bongomania]

Chinatown or Japantown. San Francisco, New York, any big city with a well-established Chinatown or Japantown. maybe Google "Chinese/Japanese imports Maneki neko".

Like this:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...ko&btnG=Search
or http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...ts+Maneki+neko

[hover]

Hey! Thanks for the heads up, I was thinkin along those lines, for sure...thanks again!

Hey, is that a labradoodle in your avatar (sorry cannot tell with the pic so small)? My drummer has one. Awesome dog.

[bassteban]

I want one, too(waving cat, not Labradoodle ). Isn't this Japanese in origin?

[hover]

Originally Posted by bassteban

I want one, too. Isn't this Japanese in origin?

I dunno, I usually see them in cantonese / polynesian restaurants (you know, "Americanized" Chinese buffets" and the like)

Dunno the origin, but they are awesome. And, just thinking about it brought me good fortune, my Wife just called and told me my car started after all this freak cold we've had here, and I hope it continues.

Onward and upward by bass siblings.

If I get any sources for these, I'll surely pass info along.

-H

[gtxtom]

They are Japanese in origin.