Why there are frogs on the lacquered civet dish of Junkei Eats

The reason for the frogs on the civet cat pattern lacquer food dish may be due to the recognition of food ingredients and the need for decoration at that time. In ancient times, cats and frogs were both considered food ingredients, and as food plates were used to hold food, the painting of these animals may have been related to the knowledge of food ingredients in ancient times. In addition, the civet cat-patterned lacquer food dish is painted with flying and flowing decorative patterns, which expresses a unique lively and lovely style, while the image of frogs may have been added for decorative needs.

All in all, the reason for painting frogs on civet-lacquered food plates may be both decorative needs and knowledge of the ingredients.