A Closer Look…Platinum Maneki-Neko
The Platinum x Itoya Maneki-Neko fountain pen is the first in our “A Closer Look” series.
The Platinum #3776 Century Maneki-Neko, or Beckoning Cat, is one of four pens in this collaboration. Lucky Clover, and versions of Beckoning Cat and Lucky Clover with diamonds, are the other three. I first learned of its existence on a blog post collecting cat-themed fountain pens on eBay.
Appearance
Beckoning Cat uses the standard Platinum #3776 Century Black base with the usual gold-plated cap and endcap rings and cap band that reads: PLATINUM MADE IN JAPAN #3776. But instead of a clip, the cap features a gold plated cat rollstop. The cat is seated, raising its front right paw. As far as I can tell, this pen was only sold with a Fine 14k gold nib. The cat’s collar has a tiny bell, which a diamond replaces on the higher end version.
History of the Maneki-Neko
What is a Beckoning Cat? You probably recognize it from the entrance to Chinese restaurants, but the Beckoning Cat is actually Japanese! The first visual evidence dates from 1852 in Tokyo. The Beckoning Cat is generally depicted seated, with three paws on the ground and one paw raised near its head. Traditionally, the Beckoning Cat is a calico Japanese Bobtail, and it wears a collar with a koban coin around its neck (sometimes the cat holds the coin and the collar bears a bell).
In Japan, an upraised hand, palm facing down with curled fingers, is a beckoning gesture, whereas in so-called “western” countries this same pose is a wave. So, many westerners call this a Waving Cat.
Some speculate that the pose refers to a traditional belief that when a cat washes its face, it is a sign of coming rain or the arrival of a guest. Thus, the Beckoning Cat came to symbolize good fortune: rain often brings passers-by into shops and restaurants, and guests (customers) are obviously good for business.
You will find the cat beckoning with either front paw in depictions of the Maneki-Neko. A right raised paw is thought to bring more money, while a left raised paw brings more customers.
At the time of writing, you can find several Platinum Maneki-Neko/Beckoning Cat fountain pens on eBay, ranging from $215-315, plus shipping (generally from Japan). Nothing about the box or packaging indicates the pen’s purpose or series. Folks only speculate that it is Platinum x Itoya because Itoya was selling all four variations for a time.