Lucky Cat Sauce Plate

Shaped like a maneki neko, the beckoning cat that greets visitors in shops and restaurants across Japan, this sauce plate brings a little luck to the table. Each cat holds a koban, an old Japanese gold coin, in one paw and lifts the other to beckon. Tradition holds that a raised right paw invites wealth, while a raised left paw draws in people and good company, so many choose one of each to welcome both. One variation features a soft coral-red bib, while the other stands out in rich emerald green, giving each beckoning cat its own cheerful character.

Its compact size suits soy sauce, wasabi, or a few pickles, and it also makes a fitting small gift for someone opening a shop, starting a new job, or setting up a new home. 

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.