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AI Appraisal
Description
I bought these recently in a very tiny antique shop in Okinawa, Japan. I believe they could be jade. They're extremely cold like jade. They have writing on them, but I don't speak the language. I did research on these and turned up very similar items made from the 40's and 50's. I'm quite interested in learning more. Thanks in advance for any help. They're also very heavy as well. I haven't weighed either one of them.
Category
Asian Art
Medium
I believe jade from what my experience here in Asia
Distinguishing marks
None
Condition
Fair
Date Period
1940-1960
Weight
Less than a lb each
History
No info, bought in Asia
Price Paid (If known)
4200 yen
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Re: 2 Asian Handmade Cats
These are a pair of maneki neko (beckoning cat) or more usually called good fortune cat. If he is beckoning/has left arm raised, he is bringing customers. You will often see maneki neko by the cash register in Japanese and Chinese stores and restaurants. If right arm, he is bringing good fortune and money. Consequently, right arm is more usually for the home situation and left for business, but either way he is the perceived bringer of wealth. The maneki cat first appeared in the Edo period (17C) and various stories surround him.
If you have pink jade - the cold bit sounds valid - it is said to be a gentle healer so combined with the beckoning cat, I would say he is beckoning positivity and good health to you. Pink jade if held, they say is a powerful force against a bad nervous system and rids the body of toxins. Pink jade is also a symbol of love, wealth and protection.