Youths preserve Dong Ho painting art

Ingo, a group of three young girls who are passionate to preserve and promote Dong Ho painting art, has launched a learning tool which kids aged between 6 and 10 can use to print Dong Ho paintings at home.

  • The defenders of folk songs and music
  • Hanoi promotes traditional trade villages

Dong Ho is a kind of folk painting carved in wood and originating in Dong Ho Village in Song Ho Commune in Thuan Thanh District in the northern province of Bac Ninh. 

In the past, Dong Ho paintings were always hung on the wall during the Lunar New Year holiday (or Tet) in the north of Vietnam. 

In the twelfth lunar month, people came to bazaars to buy necessary items for Tet, including some Dong Ho paintings to pray for good luck and prosperity.

The elderly loved such paintings because of their lively depictions of the traditions and customs of northern people and their criticisms of bad habits of people in society.

There were over 150 households making Dong Ho paintings before 1945, but now only two are left.

Local authorities are in the process of seeking UNESCO’s recognition of Dong Ho paintings as the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

The Ingo (in Vietnamese: wood printing) project, which is sponsored by the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development from the Netherlands, held a free-entrance exhibition in mid-September in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 to promote Dong Ho paintings to locals and to give children and their parents a chance to print out any paintings they like.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, founder and leader of the project, said that during her overseas studies, she and her international friends joined many events to introduce cultural heritages of their countries. Mai didn’t know what to show but later chose to talk about a Dong Ho painting which was given by her mom.

After her return to Vietnam in 2014, Mai traveled to Bac Ninh to visit Dong Ho Village and meet local artisan Nguyen Huu Sam. This short trip strengthened Mai’s determination to preserve the precious Dong Ho paintings.

Playing with Ingo

Ingo is a collection of carved wooden boards and small wooden frames featuring Dong Ho paintings that depict kids, animals and insects.

A mother identified as Thu Trang in District 1 said this tool is helpful for her son on weekends. “He can get hands-on knowledge of the folk art,” she said.

Van Anh, a student of Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, said making Dong Ho paintings reminds her of folk games which she played with friends during her childhood.

Ingo is planning more activities and products to promote the art of Dong Ho to local schools. The group is searching for exhibition locations in Hanoi to bring Dong Ho art to kids in the capital city.

Saigon Times

Other News

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

In recent years, many localities across the Dong Van Karst Plateau have strengthened efforts to integrate traditional culture preservation into schools. "Khen" performances, linen weaving, folk songs and traditional games are gradually becoming more familiar once again to younger generations.

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: “We are thrilled to support this musical collaboration between Australia’s Matthew Ifield and Vietnam’s Mỹ Anh. Creative connections and exchange between young people in Australia and Vietnam will help build cultural understanding between our nations”.

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

Vietnamese Buddhism has consistently upheld the spirit of “protecting the nation and serving the people” while accompanying the nation in promoting social ethics, strengthening great national unity, and advancing national development.

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

According to Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, travellers are becoming more selective when choosing accommodation, prioritising properties with strong reviews, quality amenities and distinctive dining options. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on the overall travel experience, alongside peer-based quality assurance.

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

With its majestic landscapes, rich ethnic cultures and immersive tourism experiences, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town of Lijiang are becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers, while also contributing to stronger tourism and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

The increase in flights from Russia, the CIS and Belarus to Da Nang not only helps diversify the city’s international visitor markets but also reflects growing confidence among international travel companies in Da Nang’s attractiveness and tourism capacity.

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

The Command Cave tour offers domestic and international visitors an opportunity to explore the values of the World Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang while commemorating the victories and sacrifices of forces operating along the Truong Son route.

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

The representative of the Vietnam Cinema Association stated that in the context of today’s fourth Industrial Revolution, the requirement to respect and ensure historical authenticity through cinema has become more important than ever, as digital platforms and cyberspace have enabled the widespread dissemination of cross-border media products.

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

PSNews - "We have always affirmed that the greatest strength lies in the people, and the greatest creativity also comes from the people. When millions of positive stories are shared and spread simultaneously, we are not only promoting the image of our country, but also helping to strengthen social trust, enhance consensus, elevate national prestige, and proactively counter false and distorted information about Vietnam in the international arena", said Trinh Thi Thuy - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Organizing Committee of the award.