I originally identified this Edo comb as being decorated with hemp, which has been used as a medicinal herb in Japanese culture for centuries. However, as a gardener, my friend gave me a Japanese hibiscus, which just flowered, and I am now realizing that the leaves and flowers on this Edo comb were drawn from that! Correction made.




And here is the real thing in my garden in South GA. Ah, gardening in South GA. What an experience.