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The "Art Toy" of Old Edo?

Updated: Jan 3

Uncovering the Roots of the Lucky Cat: The Story of the "Marushime Cat"

The "Maneki-neko" (Lucky Cat) is a beloved symbol recognized around the world today. But did you know that its origins can be traced back to a massive cultural movement that took place in Asakusa during the Edo period?

In 1852 (Kaei 5), a ceramic cat figurine known as the "Marushime Cat" went on sale at open-air stalls within the precincts of Senso-ji Temple. It became an instant sensation among the people of Edo, with crowds rushing to get their hands on one.

In modern terms, it was much like the frenzy surrounding "Art Toys" such as Labubu or Beabrick, where fans line up for hours to secure a limited release.

The Phantom Lucky Cat Born in Asakusa

While there are various theories regarding the origin of the Maneki-neko, the Marushime Cat is widely regarded as the oldest documented version. This is because it is uniquely supported by multiple historical sources: written records, period artwork, and archaeological findings.

  • Written Records: Detailed accounts of its birth and the ensuing craze are found in the Bukko Nenpyo (Chronology of Edo Culture) and the Fujiokaya Nikki (The Fujiokaya Diary), a vast journalistic record of the time.

  • Visual Evidence: A Nishiki-e (multi-colored woodblock print) by the famous artist Utagawa Hiroshige, titled Prosperity in the Jōruri District (1852), clearly depicts a stall adorned with "Marushime" banners and lanterns, selling rows of these cat figurines.

  • Archaeological Proof: An actual Marushime Cat figurine was excavated from the Mizunohara Ruins (the former site of an Owari Tokugawa estate) in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The artifact bears scorch marks from a fire in 1859, proving it was manufactured prior to that date.





【Historical Record】 The Birth of the Marushime Cat (from Bukko Nenpyo)

The birth of the Marushime Cat is tied to a touching story of an old woman and her beloved cat. Here is the account from the Bukko Nenpyo, a chronicle of Edo life written by the scholar Saito Gesshin:

Summary of the Story: An elderly woman living in the Hanakawado area of Asakusa was forced to give up her cherished cat due to extreme poverty. That night, the cat appeared in her dream and said, "If you create a figurine in my image and worship it, I will grant you boundless good fortune." Following the dream's instructions, she created a small clay cat and began to pray to it. Soon after, her luck turned, and she was able to regain her livelihood and return to her original home. As rumors of her success spread, people began to ask to borrow the figurine, leading to the mass production of these cats in Imado-yaki pottery. Crowds flocked to the stall near the torii gate of Asakusa Shrine to obtain their own.

【Historical Record】 The Marushime Cat Fever (from Fujiokaya Nikki)

The craze for the Marushime Cat spread like wildfire. According to the Fujiokaya Nikki, a journal by the "information broker" Fujiokaya Yoshizo, people from all walks of life became obsessed with the cats.

Summary of the Account: Establishments like teahouses and geisha houses bought them to attract customers. People involved in mutual financial aid circles (mujin) believed the cat would help them "monopolize" (marushime) the funds. There were even wild rumors that the cat could cure incurable diseases—claiming that those who couldn't walk were suddenly able to run to Odawara just for lunch! Driven by desire and hope, the people of Edo shouted, "Marushime! Marushime!" as they rushed to buy the cats.

Imado-yaki: The Craft Behind the Cat

Marushime Cats were produced as Imado Ningyo (Imado Dolls), a type of clay figurine made in the Imado area north of Asakusa. During the Edo period, Imado was a thriving industrial hub blessed with high-quality clay from the Sumida River, used for roof tiles and household goods.

At its peak, there were approximately 50 kilns in the area. These figurines were affordable and charming "folk toys" for the common people, deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of Edo. However, with modernization in the Meiji era, the demand for traditional clay goods declined, and the once-prosperous kilns of Imado slowly vanished from the landscape.

Unique Features: The "Side-Sitting" Pose and the "Marushime" Mark

Unlike modern Lucky Cats that face forward, the Marushime Cat features a "Side-Sitting" pose, where the body faces sideways while only the head turns toward the viewer. This natural, unpretentious posture reflects the "Iki" (chic/refined) aesthetic of Edo.

The most defining feature is the mark on its back: a "Circle with a Shime" (〇に〆). In Japanese, "Maru-shime" carries the meaning of "gathering good fortune and wealth entirely for oneself." In the world of Edo toys, this mark was a unique "brand logo" that distinguished the Marushime Cat from all other imitations.


Conclusion: The Original Landscape of the Lucky Cat


The explosive boom of the Marushime Cat eventually settled, and the form of the Lucky Cat evolved over time into the figures we see today. However, the spirit of that first cat—created by an old woman in Asakusa out of love for her pet—still lives on in the streets of the city.

Through the system of Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance), where samurai traveled to and from Edo, these cats were carried home as souvenirs, spreading the legend of the Asakusa Lucky Cat across all of Japan. When you walk through Asakusa today and see a cat figurine tilting its head to welcome you, remember that it is a lingering memory of the "fortune" that once overflowed from the gates of Senso-ji Temple 170 years ago. 【References & Related Links】


 
 
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