Dragon in Japanese Calligraphy — 18 Hand-Brushed Designs

竜 (tatsu)

The Japanese word tatsu means "dragon" referring to the mythological creature. This kanji is not used in the Japanese Zodiac, so if you are looking for "Year of the Dragon" for a design then consider using Year of the Dragon (tatsudoshi).

Verify: 竜 in the Japanese-English Dictionary

Dragon (竜) in Block style Japanese calligraphy by Eri Takase

Dragon 竜 tatsu Block Vertical VB1C

Dragon (竜) in Cursive style Japanese calligraphy by Eri Takase

Dragon 竜 tatsu Cursive Vertical VC1B

Dragon (竜) in Semi-Cursive style Japanese calligraphy by Eri Takase

Dragon 竜 tatsu Semi-Cursive Vertical VS1C

Dragon 竜 tatsu Semi-Cursive Vertical VS1D

龍 (ryuu)

The Japanese word ryuu means "dragon, dragons" referring to the mythological creature. This kanji is not used in the Japanese Zodiac, so if you are looking for "Year of the Dragon" then consider using Year of the Dragon (tatsudoshi).