Sleeping Cat Nemuri-Neko Toshogu Shrine Decorative Plate Nikko, Japan Vintage? for Sale

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Sleeping Cat Nemuri-Neko Toshogu Shrine Decorative Plate Nikko, Japan Vintage? For Sale

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Sleeping Cat Nemuri-Neko Toshogu Shrine Decorative Plate Nikko, Japan Vintage?:
$65.00

This National Treasure collector plate features a beautiful design of a sleeping cat, inspired by the Nemuri-neko relief carving at Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Japan. The last photo is a close-up of the shrine\'s wood carved cat. I am unsure of the age of the plate. They were only available in Japan and are no longer in production. It may be vintage age (20+) years, but I can not say for sure. The plate is clay or ceramic,with a rough matte finish, and vibrant painted colors. There are a number of scuffs, some light stains, etc, but no chips or cracks. Please view photos. Plate stand is not included.

*Please note that pre-owned items may come with wear and tear. I do my best to try and make any flaws with an item known to customers. I want you to know what you are buying before it is purchased. The color of items may vary slightly from the photos. Please read the full description and view all the photos.

One of the most notable carvings is the Nemuri-neko, or the Sleeping Cat, at the entrance to the okumiya (rear shrine) where Ieyasu’s remains are housed. The carving is attributed to Hidari Jingorō, a legendary 17th-century artist who may or may not have been a real person. Although it is less than 8 inches in size, the Nemuri-neko has a few notable features.

For one, cats are rarely depicted in reliefs in shrines and temples, while sacred animals such as the crane, turtle, tiger, dragon and phoenix are commonly found. This is one of the few cases in which a cat is depicted in early Edo-period religious sculpture.

On the other side of the Sleeping Cat is a carving pair of sparrows, though cats are normally supposed to prey on them. This depiction is believed to symbolize peace, as sparrows can live freely when cats are asleep. The cat being able to sleep without staying alert also means that its environment is safe and peaceful.

Some, however, believe that it’s not fully asleep. Legend has it that the cat’s eyes are only half-closed. Its pose does suggest that it may be actually staying alert, so that unclean creatures such as rats cannot enter the sacred place.\"