Figurine in the shape of a sitting cat with one paw upraised, as though making the customary Japanese gesture used in beckoning to people.
Often displayed prominently at the front of shops and businesses that rely on heavy customer traffic, such as eateries and drinking establishments. It is believed to "beckon" good fortune and busines success.
Some temples and shrines give out miniature copies of manekineko as protective amulets(GOFU) to those making their first shrine or temple visit of the new year.
Manekineko are also sold commercially as coin banks (but these are not).
In a case of showing in the house, it meant "beckon" friends.
