北野神社 (北野天満宮) to F. M.トラウツ *

These two cards, dated 1932 and 1933, are intriguing for several reasons.

• First, they were sent not by a priest of the shrine but by an administrative staff member named 金津泰鯉 (Kanatsu Tairi), who was also the author of "石清水八幡宮由緒略記" (Abbreviated History of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, published in 1939).
• Second, Kanatsu's decision to address Trautz as 殿 (tono) instead of 様 (sama) is of particular interest. This linguistic distinction implies that Kanatsu may have regarded Trautz not as his superior, as is typically the case in correspondence, but perhaps as an equal or someone of lower status.
• Third, it's worth noting that the shrine has undergone a name change and is currently known as Kitano Tenmangu.
• Fourth, the card dated 1933 is addressed to エフ・エス・トラウツ (F. S. Trautz) when it should have been エフ・エム・トラウツ (F. M. Trautz).

金津泰鯉 Kanatsu Tairi 北野神社

Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮) is a famous Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan, in the northern part of the city, in an area known as Kamigyo Ward. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician from the Heian period (794-1185), who is revered as the deity of learning and academics. The shrine is also known for its beautiful plum trees, making it a popular destination for tourists, especially during the plum blossom season in late winter and early spring.