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Maneki Neko Cats

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Maneki Neko Cats using drawing techniques learned in class 
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)< and color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) inspired by Japanese Printmaker (1798-1861) Utagawa Kuniyoshi 
• Use printmaking techniques (monotype, repetition, balance) and design principles (composition, repetition, balance) based on Edo Period
• Define Maneki Neko (called "lucky cat" or "beckoning cat" is Japan's most recognizable symbols of good fortune)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Scene of Bustling Prosperity (1852) Utagawa Hiroshige

2. Read "The Beckoning Cat: Based on Japanese Folklore" by Koko Nishizuka

3. Discussion Questions "What is a Maneki Neko? What is the golden thing that the Maneki Neko is holding? Did you know traditional white brings general good luck, black wards off evil, red promotes health, and gold ensures wealth? Did you know the Imado Shrine Tale is considered the orign story of the Maneki Neko's association with prosperity and good luck? Did you know the Maneki Neko figurines originated from the Japan's Edo and Meiji period to invite good fortune, customers, or wealth? Did you know eastern versions of the Maneki Neko have the cat beckoning with the palm facing down and the western versions have the cat with the palms up and fingers curled toward the viewer? Did you know the familiar figurine is first documented in nineteenth century market scenes? Why do the cat figurines at Gotokuji have empty paws? Where does the calico tradition come from?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use basic shapes (semi circle, triangle, square) to to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cats) of the Maneki Neko Cats

3. Add feline parts (claws, teeth, whiskers, nose) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Maneki Neko Cats for Assigned Tables

2. Cat To Keep Mice Away (Nezumiyoke No Neko) (1848) Utagawa Kuniyoshi

3. Discussion Questions "What type of cat did the artist portray? What do artists use as motivation? What do you like about this artwork? How would you describe this artwork to someone? What mood could be described in this artwork? Do you want your cat to raise its right paw to invite money and good luck, or its left paw to invite friends and customers? Do you want your cat to hold up both paws for double the luck and total protection? Would you rather use traditional calico patches or invent your own wild, colorful design? If your cat is holding a shiny coin, what big number or wish is printed on it? Is your cat holding a lucky fish, coin, magic hammer, or shiny bell? Where is the cat sitting, at the front door of a busy ramen shop, in a cozy bedroom, or a magical cloud?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

2. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

3. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Maneki Neko Cats for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats 

3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, zig zags) to the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Artist Examples

Student Examples