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The Dong Ho Painting Village is famous for its centuries-old tradition of making Dong Ho paintings. These unique folk paintings are made from natural materials and depict scenes from Vietnamese rural life, folklore, and mythology. Dong Ho paintings are trendy during Tet and used to decorate homes for the holiday.
A Dong Ho artisan is drawing the painting. Source: Collected
Today, the Dong Ho Painting Village is a popular tourist destination where visitors can process of making Dong Ho paintings, and even try to create their own. While families practicing this traditional art form have declined in recent years, a handful of families are still keeping this unique cultural heritage alive.
Dong Ho paintings are an indispensable part of Northern Vietnamese culture. Let Asia King Travel show you more information about Dong Ho Village and its paintings right below.
The village is lying on the banks of the gentle Duong River, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. It is about 40 kilometers from Hanoi City Center, so you only need an hour drive to arrive. The place is very suitable for a short trip or a weekend outing. One fastest routes you can choose from Hanoi is to start at Vinh Tuy Bridge and follow National Highway No.5
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Dong Ho Painting Village has a history of over 400 years, locals still preserved the traditional woodblock printing technique since the 16th century. The village experienced a flourishing period from the late 18th century to 1940s, with the contributions of 17 local families.
Old stall selling Dong Ho paintings. Source: Luhanhvietnam
However, after the 1940s, the craft of making Dong Ho paintings began to decline due to decreasing demand in the market. In 2013, Dong Ho paintings were recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Despite not being as popular as before, the value of the paintings still attracts many art lovers and remains its vitality to this day.
Dong Ho paintings are beloved for their depiction of familiar themes closely associated with the Vietnamese countryside and the farmers’ daily lives. The Dong Ho artisans have mastered extracting natural materials to create vibrant colors: white from oyster shells, green from cajuput leaves, black from bamboo leaf ash, yellow from marigold flowers, and red from red gravel,...
Color materials, Do papers and woodblocks - ingredients for making Dong Ho paintings. Source: itravel88
These exquisite paintings are printed on Do paper, a type of handmade paper made from Do trees grown in the forests. The paper is often coated with a layer of pine resin or a mixture of glue and powdered oyster shells to create a shimmering, translucent effect.
Dong Ho paintings are "drawn" on paper from woodblocks. Each painting is created by printing from different woodblocks, each corresponding to a specific color. The paintings are usually painted with a maximum of 4 basic colors, without mixing, to match the number of woodblocks and ensure fresh colors.
The best time to visit for you is Tet (Vietnam Lunar New Year), usually between late January and early February. In the early spring weather, buying paintings to hang in the house is a way to bring good luck.
Many Vietnamese people buy Dong Ho paintings to hang during Tet. Source: Congluan
In addition, If you visit from the 14th to the 16th day of the third lunar month, which usually falls in March or April, you can participate in the Dong Ho Painting Festival. Every year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the village festival.
When you come to the painting village, you will admire paintings with the most rusticity. Some of the famous Dong Ho paintings are: The Mice Wedding, Trung Sisters, Coconut Harvesting, The Quarrel Woman, Wealth and Prosperity, and many more.
“The Mice Wedding” - Dong Ho Painting
After observing the artisans, visitors can also try making a painting to understand the value of Dong Ho Paintings. Under the guidance of the artisans, visitors can create their own vivid and beautiful paintings according to their own preferences.
You can make your own Dong Ho painting with colors and images from your idea
Nothing better than a souvenir to give to family and friends is traditional Dong Ho paintings on Do paper or in woodcuts. In addition, Dong Ho village also displays many unique Dong Ho painting-style souvenirs you can buy for feng shui decoration in your house.
Dong Ho paintings attract international painting lovers. Source: Collected
As a long-standing craft village nestled on the banks of the Duong River, Dong Ho painting village has a simple and endearing beauty. Stepping into Dong Ho Painting Village is like stepping back in time. Contact us now for the unique experiences that bring you a memorable trip.
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