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Many people must have had an experience of being healed by watching a cat spend a leisurely time. Needless to say, cats are beloved animals all over the world and are popular with men and women of all ages due to their adorable appearance and friendly personality. If you use such a cat-designed tableware, you will feel unconsciously warm at your daily dining table.

In this column, we would like to introduce “Nekochigura”, a popular tableware series with cat designs.

Table of Contents
1. What is “Nekochigura”?
2. About Mino ware “Nekochigura”
3. Conclusion

What is “Nekochigura”?

“Nekochigura”, which is the origin of the name of this product, refers to a type of bed made of woven rice straw for cats. It is a handmade folk craft made in Niigata Prefecture and some parts of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Originally, the prototype was a cradle woven from straw for human babies.

Many of the Nekochigura are large enough for a cat to fit in, and are shaped like a dome like an igloo. It is made to match the characteristics of cats who like narrow and dark places, and cats can enter through a small entrance and rest. Also, because it is made of straw, it retains heat well and is breathable, so it is warm in winter and comfortable in summer.

It is very cute to see the cats curled up in the Nekochigura and sleeping comfortably, or sticking their heads out of the entrance hole.

About Mino ware “Nekochigura”

On a round plate, the cat’s expression is characteristically drawn, as if it were inside of a Neko chigura and a cat is sleeping comfortably in it. Since there are a wide variety of plates, small bowls, rice bowls, mugs, etc., it is recommended not only as a single item, but also as a series of tableware sets. It is an easy-to-use Mino ware (Minoyaki) product that can be used in microwave ovens, dishwashers, and dish dryers, so it can be used as everyday tableware. In addition, since it is produced by the largest manufacturer in the Mino ware industry, high-quality and stable production is possible. There are four designs: Hachiware (Tuxedo), Mike (Calico), Tora (Tabby), and Buchi (Bicolor), each with nine shapes.

・Hachiware
It is a cat with a pattern that looks like the forehead is split along the nose like a kanji figure of eight. The contrast between dark blue and white is vivid.

・Mike
The cat originally has a three-color pattern of white, brown, and black, but in this product, the pattern is expressed in shades of indigo. The heart pattern is so lovely.

・Tora
A cat with stripes like a tiger. Because it is a light-colored cat, the indigo color of the background shines well.

・Buchi
Small circular patterns are drawn all over the body. It looks like it’s comfortable with its big stomach facing up.

Conclusion

“Nekochigura” is a tableware series depicting cats sleeping in Nekochigura. All the cats seemed to be relaxing and comfortable in the Nekochigura. It might be their cute expressions are irresistible for cat lovers. We have prepared 4 patterns and 9 types of abundant shapes, and it is a recommended product because it is durable and easy to clean.

You can also check the product introduction of Nekochigura on the “Goods & Cases” page.
For more information, please feel free to contact us using the “Contact” email form.