Originating in Dong Ho village, Bac Ninh Province, the craft of making Dong Ho folk paintings involves hand-printed woodblock art that depicts everyday life in northern Vietnam. The works utilize natural pigments, but the tradition has been waning due to shifting consumer preferences and decreased market demand.
The paintings were once called “Tet paintings” because they were traditionally created at the end of the lunar year for household decoration and worship during the Lunar New Year. They were sold at annual markets held at the communal house of Dong Ho village during the last days of the final lunar month, where thousands of works were displayed.
Recently, Bac Ninh Province announced the “Returning to the Heritage Region – 2026” festival, scheduled to take place from March 27 to 31 in the northern province, featuring various activities related to Vietnamese heritage and traditional cultures.
During the opening ceremony on March 27, Dong Ho Folk Painting Craft Village will receive a certificate recognizing the craft of making Dong Ho folk paintings as an intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of safeguarding by UNESCO.
