HUNAN MUSEUM

A LUCKY
RACCOON
FROM
HUNAN

Discover the story of a mysterious cat that has traveled through more than 2,000 years.

EXPLORE →

THE STORY

A TINY IMAGE.
A VERY OLD STORY.

From an ancient lacquerware to a contemporary cultural icon, follow the journey of the Lucky Cat from Hunan.

THE CAT

The mysterious lucky cat →

HAN DYNASTY

A glimpse into ancient China →

MAWANGDUI

Where the story begins →

THE ARTIFACT

Look closer at the original →

THE SYMBOL

What does it represent? →

THE LUCK

From protection to fortune →

THE DETAILS

Small details, big meanings →

THE PEOPLE

The culture behind the cat →

TODAY

From museum to daily life →

MEET THE LUCKY CATS

THE CATS OF
MAWANGDUI

More than two thousand years ago, artists painted lively cat-like figures on lacquerware found at Mawangdui.

EXPLORE THE ORIGINAL →

LUCKY CAT GALLERY

Explore the details, patterns and characters.

Lucky Cat

Ancient Pattern

Cat Detail

Artifact

Modern Cat

Lucky Symbol

THE MEANING

WHAT DOES
THE LUCKY CAT
MEAN?

A small cat can carry a big wish.

The lucky cat is more than a cute image — it represents protection, good fortune, curiosity and a connection between the past and the present.

PROTECTION

A guardian for everyday life.

GOOD FORTUNE

A playful symbol of good wishes.

CURIOSITY

A tiny detail can lead to a new discovery.

CONNECTION

Ancient culture meets modern life.

FROM PAST TO PRESENT

AN ANCIENT
IMAGE
FOR A MODERN
LIFE

A 2,000-year-old symbol continues to inspire today.

01 — THE ARTIFACT

Discover the original object and the details hidden within it.

02 — THE CHARACTER

Turn an ancient motif into a personality.

03 — EVERYDAY LUCK

Ancient stories in design, objects and experiences.

HAPPY MOMENTS

Take a little luck with you.