What is One-Stroke Dragon? / Keisuke Teshima, Kyoto One-Stroke Dragon Artist

【What is One-Stroke Dragon?】

Hitofude-ryu, as the name suggests, is a lucky dragon said to bring strong blessings and good fortune, with the body of the dragon painted in a single, continuous stroke of a brush without any breaks, while wishes and prayers are imbued into it. Keisuke Tejima, through continuous practice and refined techniques, skillfully depicts all types of single-color and multi-color dragons, expressing color/shading and scale patterns evenly with a single stroke. This continuous single-stroke drawing, and the "power" radiating from the depicted dragon, have led to it being revered as a dragon god bringing blessings and good fortune for approximately 400 years, from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the present day. It is believed to bring "continuous development and financial luck," "uninterrupted good relationships and growth that connects people," and "continuous protection and safety." In response to these wishes, the Hitofude-ryu artist dedicates their heart and soul to drawing, with "ascending dragons" for the fulfillment of grand wishes and "guardian dragons" for protection and safety. Furthermore, the "Hoju (wish-fulfilling jewel)" held by the dragon is said to be a treasure that can grant all wishes "as one desires," create various treasures as one wishes, and bring wealth. It is believed to grant people's wishes, heal suffering and illness, and bring happiness, symbolizing the fulfillment of prayers. There is also a theory that it exists within the brain of a dragon king.

 

【Kyoto One-Stroke Dragon Artist / Keisuke Tejima】

Tejima Keisuke imbues various wishes and thoughts into his "one-stroke, continuous dragons." His technique of expressing beautiful and delicate, yet sometimes fierce, dragon gods with a single brushstroke has earned him high praise in various fields, both domestically and internationally, through numerous media appearances and event participations, including gift presentations to prominent figures. Having practiced "Karate-do" for 14 years since the age of 6, he learned the spirit of the Japanese way and explored Japanese culture and history, particularly captivated by dragons since childhood and continuously drawing dragon paintings. Encountering the ancient "Hitofude-ryu," he was deeply moved by its technique and history, feeling it was his destiny, and self-taught himself the technique. While preserving the tradition of Hitofude-ryu that has continued since the Edo period, he pursues dragons with the spirit of "Shu-Ha-Ri." Although originally from Fukuoka Prefecture, due to various inevitable and coincidental good connections, he was led to establish a gallery/drawing studio in Higashiyama, Kyoto, the "1,000-year capital where dragon gods reside." He is one of only three Hitofude-ryu artists in Japan said to own a gallery/drawing studio.

【Blessings / Benefits】
Keisuke Tejima's one-stroke dragons are drawn with wishes and prayers in a single, uninterrupted stroke, and are believed to bring "continuous development and financial luck," "uninterrupted good relationships and growth that connects people," and "continuous protection and safety." Additionally, the ritual implement "Vajra (Kongo-sho)" held in his left hand while drawing the one-stroke dragon is believed to possess the power to crush evil, ward off evil spirits, and overcome one's own worldly desires when held by an ascetic. It is said that merely having it nearby can ward off evil, avert disasters, and grant wishes.

【Characteristics as a Painting】
Through continuously refined and excellent techniques, all types of single-color and multi-color dragons are depicted with uniform expression of color/shading and scale patterns in a single stroke. The technique of expressing beautiful and delicate, yet sometimes fierce, dragon gods with a single brushstroke is highly praised both domestically and internationally.

【Media Appearances & Achievements】