ロゴス書店 神戸 昭和8年 年賀状 *

ロゴス書店 神戸 昭和8年 年賀状

トラウツ

This 1933 postcard, addressed to M. Trautz, originates from Logos Bookstore in Kobe, renowned for its collection of rare foreign books. The store enjoyed significant popularity before World War II, often publishing catalogs of its extensive stock. Logos was a nationally renowned second-hand bookstore managed by Maeda Umetaro (前田楳太郎).

For more information about Logos and other rare book dealers of the time, see below:

https://www.sogensha.co.jp/page03/a_rensai/kosho/kosho26.html

ロゴスは三宮町二丁目の生田筋にあった洋書の専門店。目録も二種類出していて、古典目録の方は私の手元には昭10年9月発行の11号が確認できる。私が最近、神戸のロードス書房から入手した昭6年の9号には貴重な店の写真が載っている。神戸、大阪、東京での百貨店の販売会にもよく出品し、全国的に知られ、活躍した。

"Logos was a specialty store for Western books located on Ikuta-suji in Sannomiya-cho, Nada Ward. It issued two types of catalogs, and I can confirm that the Classical Catalog, No. 11, was issued in September of the 1935 (Shōwa 10) year. Recently, I acquired No. 9 from the 1931 (Shōwa 6) year, which contains a valuable photograph of the store. Logos often participated in sales events at department stores in Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo, and was well-known and active nationwide."

大地靴店 神戸 から ドクトル・エフ・トラウツ *

大地靴店 神戸 から ドクトル・エフ・トラウツ

In 1933, a New Year's greeting card was sent from Daichi Kutsuten, a shoemaker in Kobe, to Dr. F. M. Trautz. While these cards may seem like a relic of the past, they continue to be exchanged today, maintaining a sense of tradition and warmth. However, the reverse side, often printed with a message, reveals its origin as a form of mass-produced business communication. 

1933年 三宅商店 京都 から トラウツ *

1933年 三宅商店 京都 から トラウツ

This card is from Miyake Shoten in Kyoto. Unfortunately, I could not find any information about this business. It is a generic card with a printed message of good wishes on the reverse side and an ink-stamped business name and address on the front.

Postcard from 山口屋 京都 to 都良宇津 *

Postcard from 山口屋 京都 to 都良宇津

This 1933 New Year's card was sent by Yamaguchiya, a Kyoto-based caterer specializing in fish and fish dishes, to Trautz (To-Ra-Wu-Tsu), addressing Trautz using kanji characters.

The reverse side of this card displays a dual calendar system for the year 1933, featuring both a Chinese lunar event calendar and a Japanese calendar. The Japanese calendar is a hybrid, combining elements from both lunar and solar calendars

真島全性 Buddhist Monk to F. M. Trautz **

真島全性 Buddhist Monk to F. M. Trautz

This 1933 New Year's card is addressed to F. M. Trautz (エフ・エム・トラウツ) and sent by Majima Zensho, a Buddhist monk or お坊さん. The return address indicates Sakamoto-mura, Shiga-gun, Shiga-ken. On the reverse side, Majima writes, "I wish you a Happy New Year." Additionally, there are two red ink stamps: one reading 'Gantan' (元旦), meaning New Year, and another larger stamp that likely translates to 'Happy New Year' written in seal script.

The only reference I found for Majima was in the 日本古代史関係研究文献目録データベース (Database of Bibliographies on Research Materials Related to Ancient Japanese History). Majima is mentioned in relation to records, genealogies, and sequences concerning the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan. These documents likely detail the appointments and duties of the chief abbot and other officials within the Tendai school, as well as genealogies of specific lineages within the school. They provide valuable historical and organizational insights into the Tendai school and its various branches and monastic communities.

真島全性 - Bruno Petzold

The photo of Majima was discovered on a site linked to Bruno Petzold at the Harvard-Yenching Library, suggesting a connection between the two individuals. Petzold, a German scholar, immersed himself in the study of Buddhism for many years while residing in Japan. His deep interest in the religion and culture of Japan likely led him to interact with and learn from Buddhist monks like Majima. The photo, presumed to be taken around 1920, not only provides a glimpse into their possible relationship but also offers a fascinating window into the cultural exchanges and intellectual pursuits of that era.

鶴水旅館 県尾道市 1933年 F. M. トラウツ **

 鶴水旅館 県尾道市 1933年 F. M. トラウツ

This postcard, addressed to F. M. Trautz and Hilta (Hilda) Trautz, was sent from Kakusui Ryokan in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Although the inn is no longer standing, it has a fascinating connection to the acclaimed novelist Naoya Shiga (1883–1971). Shiga, born in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, in 1883, endured personal hardships and a profound search for identity, which influenced his literary works. His writing often delves into themes of alienation, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotion. When Shiga was twenty-nine, he left Tokyo after a conflict with his father, Naoharu, to establish himself as a novelist. On November 10, 1912, around 11 p.m., he arrived at Onomichi Station. That night, he lodged in a room on the second floor of Kakusui-kan!

Kakusui Ryokan in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

丸屋徳次郎、丸屋旅館 to Hilda Trautz *

丸屋旅館 to Hilda Trautz

This postcard, postmarked from Hirado on January 1, 1933, was sent by Tokujiro Maruya from Maruya Ryokan in Hirado-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture (丸屋徳次郎、丸屋旅館, 長崎県北松浦郡平戸町). Despite efforts, no information could be found about this man or his inn. In the postcard, Maruya addresses the recipients, Mr. and Mrs. Trautz, as simply トラウツ様 and ヒルタ様, an unusual way of addressing a married couple. This suggests that Maruya may not have been aware that both recipients shared the surname Trautz.

武藤長蔵 Chozo Muto 1933 Philipp Franz von Siebold **

武藤長蔵 Chozo Muto 1933 Philipp Franz von Siebold

This New Year's postcard, postmarked from Nara on January 3, 1933, is addressed to Dr. M. Trautz and Fran Trautz. It's worth noting that Trautz is addressed as "M. Trautz" with only his middle initial, rather than the more common "F. M. Trautz." In addition, there is an error in the address to his wife, Hilda, who is mistakenly referred to as "Fran Frautz." The front of the card features well wishes in German.

The reverse side is of interest, as there is a an image from the Siebold's book, Nippon. Archiv zur Beschreibung von Japan, of a group of Japanese celebrating the New Years. This book by Philipp Franz von Siebold is a monumental work that stands as a testament to the depth of his research. Siebold, a German physician and naturalist, spent several years in Japan during the early 19th century, where he amassed a vast collection of botanical, zoological, and ethnographic materials.

The print above appears to be the original source of the image shown on the postcard. However, I am unsure of the origin of the print below.

Published in Leiden, Netherlands, over a period of two decades from 1832 to 1852, the atlas is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and its richly illustrated plates. It covers a wide range of subjects, including geography, ethnography, history, and natural history, providing a comprehensive overview of Japan and Korea during that period.

The illustrations by Kawahara Keiga, a Japanese artist, are particularly noteworthy for their accuracy and artistic quality. Keiga's sketches and paintings capture the essence of the landscapes, people, and wildlife of Japan and Korea, making them invaluable historical and artistic documents.

Chozo Muto: A Pioneer Economist and Scholar 武藤長蔵（むとう ちょうぞう、1881年6月9日 - 1942年6月27日)

Chozo Muto

Chozo Muto (1881–1942) was a pioneering economist, educator, and collector whose legacy continues to resonate through his diverse contributions to academia and cultural heritage. Born on June 9, 1881, Muto dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on fields ranging from economics to transportation history. The Muto Bunko (Muto Chozo Library) at Nagasaki University Library Economics Branch houses a collection of approximately 10,000 Japanese and Western books, along with around 200 materials such as maps, paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. The collection primarily focuses on specialized topics such as railways, transportation, economics, and commercial literature Muto had collected over the years. However, it also encompasses a wide range of subjects including literature, religion, and art. 

Muto's early years were marked by a deep-seated curiosity and a thirst for learning. He received his education in Japan, attending local schools before furthering his studies at a teacher training school in Tokyo. However, it was his experiences abroad that truly shaped his intellectual journey. In 1937, Muto authored "A Short History of Anglo-Japanese Relations," a testament to his keen interest in international diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange.

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Muto's passion for education reform was evident in his advocacy for practical, hands-on learning. Drawing inspiration from his travels to the United States, England, and Germany, he championed the incorporation of vocational training and experiential learning into the Japanese education system.

Muto's commitment to education extended beyond theoretical discourse; he played an active role in the establishment of agricultural and technical schools in Japan, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for all members of society. In addition to his scholarly endeavors, Muto was an avid collector, amassing a vast collection of Japanese and Western books, as well as a diverse array of materials such as maps, paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. This collection, housed in the Muto Bunko at Nagasaki University Library Economics Branch, serves as a testament to his wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity.

新田竹雲斎 to Doctor F. M. Trautz *

新田竹雲斎 to Doctor F. M. Trautz

This New Year's card is from Nitta Chikuunsai, Art Flower Basket Manufacturing Company (新田竹雲斎, 美術花籠製造所), which was located in Dōgo Yunomachi (道後湯之町). It refers to the area around Dōgo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Dōgo Onsen has a long history and is famous for its beautiful bathhouse, Dōgo Onsen Honkan, which is a designated National Important Cultural Property. The area around Dōgo Onsen is also known for its traditional atmosphere, with many shops and ryokan (Japanese inns) offering a glimpse into the past. It's a popular destination for tourists looking to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring town.