Donkey Lucky Cat Maneki Neko figurine

Donkey Lucky Cat: The Maneki Neko That Brings Colour and Good Fortune Home

Some pieces earn their place at home simply by making people smile. The Donkey Lucky Cat is one of them. A modern, colourful take on the Japanese Maneki Neko, it has quickly become one of the most loved small gifts at House of AnLi, chosen for new homes, new jobs, birthdays and, quite often, for oneself.

Donkey Lucky Cat Maneki Neko figurine

What is a Maneki Neko?

The Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, is a Japanese talisman traditionally placed in homes and shops to invite good fortune. The Donkey Lucky Cat belongs to this family and keeps the detail that matters most: the coin she carries. It stands for "SEN MAN RYOU", which means 10 million gold pieces for you. It is a generous wish to have sitting on a shelf, and a lovely thought to pass on to someone else.

A talisman in seventeen colours

What sets the Donkey version apart is colour. Rather than the classic gold or white alone, the Lucky Cat comes in seventeen shades, from soft Lilac, Peach, Pink and Light Blue to bolder Red, Hot Pink, Neon Orange, Turquoise and Dark Blue, with White, Grey, Moonlight, Galaxy, Deep Yellow, Green, Berry Red and Violet in between. Each colour is said to bring its own kind of luck, whether you are in the mood for optimism, hope, stability or wealth, so choosing one becomes part of the pleasure.

Donkey Lucky Cat Maneki Neko figurine in colour, front view

How to choose the right colour

There are two easy ways to decide. The first is by meaning: pick the wish you would like to make for the person receiving it. The second is by room. A cat in White, Grey or Moonlight sits quietly among books and ceramics, while Hot Pink, Neon Orange or Turquoise gives a neutral corner a welcome jolt of colour. If you cannot decide, two or three cats in related tones look charming side by side.

Styling tips: where to place your Lucky Cat

  • By the entrance. A console or hallway shelf is the traditional spot, where the cat greets everyone who walks in. Pair it with a small tray for keys and a vase of stems.
  • On a bookshelf. Tuck it between stacks of books and other decorative objects. One bright piece is often all a shelf needs.
  • On a desk. A small good luck charm beside the laptop is a kind present for anyone starting a new job or a new business.
  • In a child's room. The colours work beautifully with a playful scheme. Place it on a high shelf, as it is a decorative object rather than a toy.
  • As a group. Line up several colours on a windowsill or mantel for a cheerful display.

Donkey Lucky Cat Maneki Neko figurine styled as a decorative object

A gift that says good luck

Part of the Lucky Cat's appeal is how easy it is to give. It suits almost every occasion where you want to wish someone well: a housewarming, a shop opening, exams, a promotion, a birthday or the start of a new year. Because it is small and light, it also travels well, which makes it a thoughtful present to take overseas or to post to family and friends.

For a fuller gift, add a card and wrapping from our cards and stationery collection, or build a small gift around it with a candle or a book.

See the colours at House of AnLi

The Donkey Lucky Cat is available online, with delivery across Singapore, and in our store, where you can see the colours side by side before choosing. Sizes and materials are listed on the product page.

Visit us at House of AnLi, #02-139/141, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933, open daily from 9am to 9pm. You can also call us on +65 6235 3851 or write to info@houseofanli.com, and we will be glad to help you find the right colour.

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