Maneki Neko - Japanese Artists
招き猫 日本 の アーティスト

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There are many Japanese Neko Artists (or "Nyartists" as coined by Takahashi Risa) I admire. 
I have been very lucky to actually purchase some of their work.
They are listed Family name, then First name.


Click on thumbnails to see larger images.
　

Mori Wajin / Takagi Kyoko / Maruyama Kenichi  / Watanabe Yoko / Yamazaki Kiyotaka /  Inaba Michi / Kobayashi Makoto / Abe Natsuko / Okayama Tomio/ Nekoyuuko55 /  Kawamura Melodi  / Mrs. Kamata / "unsun2005" / Takahashi Risa

Last Updated:  07/01/2012
　

Mori Wajin
もりわじん

1
 2 3 4
5 6 7 8

9
 10 11
12 13 14

My Favourite Artist!

1. Beckoning Paw Neko
2-6. Set of five themed Maneki Neko. Their 'bells' have indentations of one up to five.
2. Mud Neko
3. Water Drop Neko
4. Fire Neko
5. Mushroom Neko
6. Money Neko
7 & 8. Maneki Neko sculptures
9. December 3rd Birthdate Neko (these were part of an auction lot. perhaps the seller's birthdate?)
10. Maneki Neko Omamori (charm)
11. "Neko Jyare" plush
12. Stand-up Calender 2008?
13. 2009 Postcard Calendar
14. Art Book

1-9 & 11: purchased yahoo Japan
10: purchased ebay
12-14: purchased Furoneko Market


Mori's Website on Nekomachi
　

Takagi Kyoko
高木京子
1 2  3
4 5
 6  7  8 9

1. Resting Neko
2. Chopstick Rest Neko
3. Large Neko
4. New Year's Lucky Wreaths
5. Tough Tigers
6. Furoshiki (wrapping cloth)
7. Furoshiki (wrapping cloth)
8. Printed chirimen wall hanging
9. Art Book

1 & 2: purchased via Ebay
3, 4, 5 & 9: via Yahoo Japan
6 & 8: via Sanko, San Francisco
7. via Ebay
Neko Shachou's (Kyoko's) Webpage
　

Maruyama Kenichi
丸山憲一


　



　


The first four neko are definitely his designs, but I am not sure who is making the painted versions.  Bottom row features one of his Bizenware originals and two painted kitties I've read are also his designs, but I am unsure of their manufacturer. 

A Bizenware Webpage
featuring Kenichi's work
　
　
Watanabe Yoko
 渡辺葉子
Both of these lovely neko are made from clay with paulownia powder. They also have swarovski crystal accents.

 Purchased: Ebay

Yamazaki Kiyotaka
山崎清孝

I have long been a fan of Mr. Yamazaki's work. The small neko (4cm) was purchased via Ebay; the clock via Yahoo Japan.

 Yamazaki's page at Craft Ogawa site

Inaba Michi
みち稲葉





I only wish I had an ounce of the energy Michi has!
Se and I did an art trade. I received this set of hand-cut postcards of her Lucky Cats. Not shown are her Daruma, Tanuki, Dog and Squirrel designs.

 Michi's Blog

Kobayashi Makoto
小林誠

A custom design created for the Starlingear jewelry company, New Year's 2008. This one is # 5 of 10. He was broken, repaired, and sold to me via Yahoo Japan auctions.

 M&K  Custom Signs
　

Abe Natsuko
あべ夏子


Natsuko's Neko always epitomize grace and beauty.

 Purchased: Ebay

Natsuko's Webpage

Nekoyuuko55

A gorgeous neko made of
clay and covered in chirimen
fabric. Purchased from the artist on Yahoo Japan.

Nekoyuuko55's auctions

Okayama Tomio
岡山富男



Crafting technique:  “SOMETSUKE” – a dyeing skill in which motifs are drawn on white porcelain using paint that includes cobalt to creat a vivid indigo color. Height: 2.75"

Neko purchased from Ebay seller woodsandtrees

Tomio and Naoko's page

Kawamura Melodi
河村目呂二


Goddess Money-Key
REPRODUCTION
Created for artist anniversary event at the Necomachi Gallery. Original design is from the 1920's. He is also famous for creating the kneeling Geisha Maneki Neko style (like this one from the Tomimoto Kiln in Seto).

"unsun2005"


A fantastic Vincent Van Gogh paper mache tumbler neko! Purchased from the artist
on Yahoo Japan.

 unsun2005's auctions

"Mrs. Kamata"


A lovely paper covered neko. Seller could not give me any additional information on the artist other than her name.

Purchased: Ebay

Takahashi Risa
高橋理佐


Neko purchased at Shizu of Pasadena, CA

Risa's Webpage
 
　  
　

All artwork in this site is copyright to the respective creators.  Please drop a line if you are interested in using any for your own site. Thank you!