Maneki Neko

The project

This project was a self-made endeavor for my jewelry brand, Terca, as part of a new silver collection. The design draws significant inspiration from Japanese culture, particularly the 'Maneki Neko,' a symbol rich in meaning. Each detail of the Maneki Neko, from its color to the object it's holding, and even which paw is raised, carries unique significance in Japan. During my visit to Japan, I had the chance to explore Gotokuji Temple, renowned for its hundreds, if not thousands, of white ceramic cats. This temple, along with my deep love for both cats and Japanese culture, greatly inspired the charm design.

The process

This project was particularly challenging for me, as I had a clear vision in mind but no prior experience in modeling such a delicate, sculpted figure. Additionally, I was new to using Blender. However, I didn’t let that stop me—I immersed myself in tutorials, practiced extensively, and eventually dove into sculpting directly in Blender. The design is intended to be printed and cast directly from the 3D printer using casting resin.

The design

For the final design, I sculpted a cat raising its right paw, with closed eyes giving the appearance of a smile. It’s adorned with a sleigh bell and a bow, and I incorporated as much detail as possible for 3D printing, including a defined nose, whiskers, and carefully sculpted paws. The piece is designed as a necklace charm, with an integrated bail that harmonizes with the cat's shape.

Animation

Made with Blender

Production

The Maneki Neko was originally created from a 3D-printed castable resin model, which was then used to make a mold for future reproductions. Each piece is handcrafted in silver in Mexico using traditional artisanal techniques.