the lucky cat store (favourite things #116)

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

This store girl was inspired by the grounds of Gotokuji, a temple in Tokyo said to be the original birthplace of the maneki neko. In the temple you can purchase different sized ceramic lucky cats all in the same style and there are shelves in one area covered in them - all with prayers from the person who placed them there. Next to that place is a small building showing some of the cats in a window (see last photo).

This girl is dressed up as a store that sells only lucky cats - just like in the temple, the windows have displays of them - there is also a doorway noren curtain featuring the red collar and gold bell motif. Parked by the back door is a red bicycle, an aircon unit and another window with another cat! On top of her head, advertising the store is another lucky cat, raising its paw to bring in the good fortune.

My 'favourite things' wood girl series share the places and things I love, a favourite motif, object or theme, or are inspired by a microseason. Turned from American Tulipwood, a sustainable and interestingly grained timber, the pieces are turned by a production wood turner in the UK to my designs, then added to and painted by me, a British artist. They are finished in a clear matt acrylic protective top coat.

Favourite Things girls are numbered on the base, this one is #116.

This girl is approximately 25.5cm in height.

My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing.

PLEASE NOTE: Wood girls should be kept away from water which can damage the wood and painted surface, and also away from direct heat/ sunlight which also can affect the surface colour and the timber itself.