三條西 公正 1933年 エフ・エム・トラウツ **

三條西 公正 1933年 エフ・エム・トラウツ

This card sent by Sanjōnishi is postmarked Koishikawa (Tokyo) and dated January 3, 1933. It is addressed to ドクトル・エフ・エム・トラウツ and his wife. The embossed designs on this card are of particular interest, as they contain the same elements as the one sent by Miyako Taxi (see post dated September 18, 2023).

Miyako Taxi Postcard

Sanjōnishi Kino-sa (三條西 公正) was a nobleman, belonging to the esteemed Sanjōnishi family, which has a long history as part of the kuge, the Japanese court nobility. This aristocratic class served the Imperial Court in Kyoto for centuries, and the Sanjōnishi family has a distinguished legacy of contributing to Japanese culture and arts.

Kinosa was born on January 8, 1901, and he pursued a path of academic and cultural excellence from an early age. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University, one of the most prestigious institutions in Japan. Following his education, he served as an inspector at the Imperial Museum, which showcased his deep involvement in preserving and promoting Japanese cultural heritage.

Sanjonishi Kinosa and his wife Nobuko

In 1947, Kinosa became the head of the Oie School of Kōdō, a traditional Japanese art form dedicated to the appreciation of incense. Under his leadership, he worked tirelessly to revive and develop Kōdō, ensuring its continued relevance and practice. His role as the president of the Japan Kodo Association further underscores his significant impact on this cultural art form.

Kinosa’s scholarly interests were not limited to Kōdō. He was also an expert in court arts and the history of Japanese clothing, and he was an accomplished calligrapher. His literary works, such as "Appreciation of Kumiko" and "An Overview of Japanese Clothing History," reflect his broad expertise and contribution to Japanese cultural studies.

His marriage to Princess Kuninomiya Nobuko, the younger sister of Empress Kōjun, cemented his status within the higher echelons of Japanese nobility. This union also underscores the Sanjōnishi family's close ties to the imperial family, further highlighting their prominent position in Japanese society.

Sanjōnishi Kinosa's legacy continued through his family, particularly through his successor, Sanjōnishi Saneaki, who also dedicated himself to the development of Kōdō. Kinosa's younger brother, Sanjōnishi Sanei, inherited the family name of their maternal uncle, Kuninomiya Kunihisa, ensuring the continuation of their noble lineage.

Kinosa passed away on January 25, 1984, at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy of cultural and academic contributions. His work not only preserved traditional Japanese arts but also laid the foundation for their modern appreciation and study.