Aloha Friends,
We are proud to be able to sell hats that make people think a little bit about what it took to make this hat. For starters the cat theme is amazing, for one, in Hawaii it is considered good luck to give the porcelain version of the cat to anyone opening a business, new house, or even new cars. Its a good luck gesture. I haven't dug deep into why I just remember having to bless shops when I used to Lion dance as a kid (I was the head because I could climb peoples shoulders and put up the red tape) Anyway every store would have the cats facing the door way (as we also have 2 cats in the shop). Second this is basically 2 hats in one. A novel concept that was executed well. We have 20 of these hats in so if you need one in your life call or come down to the shop. Estate only made 56 of these and only 48 of them was retailed. Below is a little story of the cat!!
The story of Usugumo, one of the famous and accomplished women of Yoshiwara, explains the origin of this charm cat. In an attempt to warn Usogumo of a big snake on the ceiling, her favorite cat followed her nervously pointing her middle paw up and pulling eagerly at her dress. The cat's persistence and ill mannered gesture angered Usogumo's attendant, who drew his sword and killed it. The cat's severed head then flew to the ceiling and killed the threatening snake.To alleviate Usogumo's grief over the cat's death, a master artist carved its replica out of imported aloes wood. The carved cat became very famous, and became the first "maneki neko."
Mahalo,
FITTED