Okimono or sculpture in the form of a tabby cat with its paw resting on a Shinto shrine bell, the bell articulated to open sideways revealing a compass. The cat of cast, cold-chiseled and gilt bronze with inlaid glass eyes; the compass of cast, cold-chiseled and gilt bronze with a glass cover. The reverse with holes for pin attachments for a base, now missing. Edo period, 18th century – early 19th century.

The cat sits smiling with confidence. The lucky beast has found its missing bell. Did it fall or was it batted down from a neighborhood Shinto shrine, shaken to waken the gods? Rolled beneath its paw, the bell hides a compass guide to the four corners of the universe.

Maneki Neko beckoned guests and customers into inns and shops. Most were humble creatures and very few early examples exist. Instead of raising a paw to call money like his brethren, this charming tabby slyly tips a right ear, curling it forward in welcome.

It may be that this feline sculpture beckoned for a dealer in scientific instruments, compasses, telescopes and microscopes. If so, only the metropolis of Edo (now modern Tokyo) would have supported such a specialist shop. Feudal daimyo and their advisors brought wealth to the city. These people and few others could afford the medium of gilt bronze. They loved surprise and fashionable karakuri or mechanical toys. As the globe hinged open to reveal a compass, it would have been to smiles of delight.

Such a merchant would travel to visit daimyo clients, almost the only people with the means to purchase his wares. What better than to borrow his cat’s compass bell for the journey?