Isoda Koryūsai 礒田湖龍斎

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.

Dreaming of falcons, eggplant, or Mt. Fuji on New Year’s Eve is considered an auspicious omen for the coming year; this print combines all three in a single image.

The print is signed “Haruhiro,” a name used by Koryusai on a few early works.

Signed Haruhiro at the lower right, the signature and coloring of the print reflect the influence of Koryusai's friend, the famous ukiyo-e print artist, Suzuki Harunobu (ca. 1724-1770). This pleasing composition of Mt. Fuji, a falcon and potted eggplant represent the three lucky omens considered auspicious symbols should they appear in one's first dream of the year.