Meowth (Maneki-neko)

This Meowth art was made in partnership with a French association that recovers lost cats and finds them a new family. 50% of the net income generated by future sales of this art will be donated to them! Very happy to help the cause of lost and abandoned cats in my own way!

The choice was made on Meowth among the existing cat Pokémon, in particular because it is inspired by the maneki-neko 招き猫 (lit. "the cat that invites"). These lucky cat statuettes are very well known and popular even outside of Asia.

The maneki-neko bring luck and prosperity... They are represented with a bell and a bib around their neck, and holding a 1 ryo coin (also called koban). This is exactly what Meowth wears on his head..

Once again many references have slipped into the illustration, in the theme of wealth! In particular, cross-references between pachinko and Team Rocket slot machines.