ma khua khun

...one of many varieties of eggplant and in this case destined for a very delicious Thai green curry along with the usual suspects of spices and coconut milk.

Eggplants..or aubergine... probably originated in India and were noted as a common food in China in 600 BC.
Eaten cooked or raw the varieties are many and curious too in description including the 'Hairy Orange Aubergine'.
And yes essential for 'ladies of fashion'...a black dye made from the purple skin varieties used to stain teeth, Ohaguro, and at one time regarded as a sign of beauty.