Mori Shunkei 森春渓

Vegetables were a large part of the Japanese diet in the Edo period. From crops that had been cultivated for centuries, such as turnips and eggplant, to newly imported produce, diverse ingredients were met with delight. Carrots and corn were introduced to Japan in the 1500s and 1600s. Brought to Japan from the Americas by Portuguese traders, corn was originally used as animal feed but later gained popularity as an ingredient.

Turnips and eggplants have been cultivated for centuries in Japan and were widely consumed in the Edo period. Eggplants were considered auspicious. Pictured here with Mount Fuji, the eggplant was and still is associated with the New Year and blessings of good health, luck, and prosperity.