MANEKI NEKO

In conjunction with the opening of the Museum’s exhibition MANEKI NEKO – Japanese Beckoning Cats – from Talisman to Pop Icon and the book of the same name, join us for a lecture by author and curator Alan Pate, the leading authority on Japanese dolls (ningyô) outside of Japan.  Pate’s talk will trace the history of the maneki neko in Japanese culture, and suggest why the image of the beckoning cat has held such allure for Japan, and continues to entrance the world.   With stories drawn from legend and lore, Pate will take us through kilns and temples, haunted villages and busy thoroughfares.  There may even be a surprise visit from Hello Kitty!  Following the lecture attendees are invited to join Museum members and guests for the opening reception of the exhibition.