Japanese artists
There are many Japanese Neko Artists (or "Nyartists" as coined by Takahashi Risa) I admire. I have been very lucky to actually purchase some of their work. They are listed family name, then first name.
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Mori wajin
My favorite artist!
1. Beckoning Paw Neko
2-6. Set of five themed Maneki Neko. Their 'bells' have indentations of one up to five.
2. Mud Neko
3. Water Drop Neko
4. Fire Neko
5. Mushroom Neko
6. Money Neko
7 & 8. Maneki Neko sculptures
9. December 3rd Birthdate Neko (these were part of an auction lot. perhaps the seller's birthdate?)
10. Maneki Neko Omamori (charm)
11. "Neko Jyare" plush
12. Stand-up Calender 2008?
13. 2009 Postcard Calendar
14. Art Book
1-9 & 11: purchased via Yahoo Japan
10: purchased via Ebay
12-14: purchased via Furoneko Market
1, 2, & 3
4, 5, & 6
7, 8, 9, & 10
11, 12, 13, & 14
takagi kyoko
1. Resting Neko
2. Chopstick Rest Neko
3. Large Neko
4. New Year's Lucky Wreaths
5. Tough Tigers
6. Furoshiki (wrapping cloth)
7. Furoshiki (wrapping cloth)
8. Printed chirimen wall hanging
9. Art Book
1 & 2: purchased via Ebay
3, 4, 5 & 9: purchased via Yahoo Japan
6 & 8: purchased via Sanko, San Francisco
7. purchased via Ebay
1, 2, & 3
4 & 5
6, 7, 8, & 9
Maruyama kenichi
The first four neko are definitely his designs, but I am not sure who is making the painted versions. The fifth is one of his Bizenware originals; the kitties on the bottom row I've read are also his designs, but I am unsure of their manufacturer.
1, 2, 3, & 4
5 & 6
Watanabe yoko
Both of these lovely neko are made from clay with paulownia powder. They also have swarovski crystal accents.
Purchased via Ebay
Yamazaki kiyotaka
I have long been a fan of Mr. Yamazaki's work. The small neko (4cm) was purchased via Ebay; the clock via Yahoo Japan.
Small neko: purchased via Ebay Clock neko: purchased via Yahoo Japan
Inaba michi
I only wish I had an ounce of the energy Michi has! She and I did an art trade. I received this set of hand-cut postcards of her Lucky Cats. Not shown are her Daruma, Tanuki, Dog and Squirrel designs.
kobayashi makoto
A custom design created for the Starlingear jewelry company, New Year's 2008. This one is # 5 of 10. He was broken, repaired, and sold to me via Yahoo Japan auctions.
Abe natsuko
Natsuko's Neko always epitomize grace and beauty.
Purchased via Ebay
Takahashi risa
Purchased via Shizu in Pasadena, CA
Nekoyuuko55
A gorgeous neko made of clay and covered in chirimen fabric.
Purchased via the artist on Yahoo Japan.
okayama tomio
Crafting technique: “SOMETSUKE” – a dyeing skill in which motifs are drawn on white porcelain using paint that includes cobalt to create a vivid indigo color. Height: 2.75"
Purchased via Ebay
kawamura melodi
Goddess Money-Key
REPRODUCTION
Created for artist anniversary event at the Necomachi Gallery. Original design is from the 1920s. He is also famous for creating the kneeling Geisha Maneki Neko style (like this one from the Tomimoto Kiln in Seto).
unsun2005
A fantastic Vincent Van Gogh paper mache tumbler neko!
Purchased via the artist on Yahoo Japan.
Mrs. kamata
A lovely paper covered neko. Seller could not give me any additional information on the artist other than her name.
Purchased via Ebay.