This is a lucky cat, a traditional folk toy called Hanamaki clay doll, made in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, believed to bring prosperity to the home. I am selling it to organize my collection. This is a particularly rare "cat holding a mouse" among Hanamaki dolls. The cat, which eliminates mice that damage food in the house, also has the meaning of warding off evil. Hanamaki dolls have been made since the early 18th century and have been affectionately known locally as "Karakezunzugo" (kawara = earthenware + ninzoko). The work of "Imadoki-san," who values the traditional forms and is particular about the clay used, the manufacturing method, and the pigments for coloring, seems very valuable. Height: 17cm. No original box or pamphlet. The black around the mouth of the Hanamaki clay doll cat comes from the story that after the cat warmed itself in the hearth, it would come out covered in soot and ash, with its mouth area blackened by the ash. This symbolizes that the fire in the hearth never goes out = there is always enough to eat. It has been considered a sign of a prosperous home and a lucky charm. Also known as "Kamane-ko" (hearth cat). It's a charming and adorable episode. Made by Hiraga Kogei-sha. I purchased it at a folk toy exhibition at Tokyu Department Store a long time ago in the Showa era. After purchasing it, I displayed it on a shelf and then stored it in a box in a bag as I reorganized my collection. It is in good condition, almost like new, with no sun damage. #HanamakiDoll #HanamakiClayDoll #ClayDoll #FolkToy #ManekiNeko (Beckoning Cat) #HiragaKogeiSha #ShoichiHiraga #MagozaemonHiraga #Kamane-ko (Hearth Cat) ClayDoll IwatePrefecture HanamakiCity Mingei (Folk Craft) KeisukeSerizawa TeiichiYamamoto PeasantArt BernardLeach Fukukan (Lucky Can) LuckyCharm FolkToy folktoy Mingei (Folk Craft) WardOffEvil CASABRUTUS MiyagemonCollection (Souvenir Collection) MUJI DiscontinuedItem DiscontinuedFolkToy TheJoyofHanamakiDolls FirstTimeFolkToys MasakiKikuchi Country: Japan Type: Ornament/Doll/Craft Popular Keywords: Clay Doll