The making of Dong Ho folk woodcut painting in the northern province ofBac Ninh has been recognised as part of the national intangible culturalheritage.

This was revealed by Nguyen Van Phong,Director of the Bac Ninh provincial Department of Culture, Sports andTourism on March 6.

The making of Dong Ho folk woodcut painting has its roots in Song Ho commune, Thuan Thanh district.

Traditionally,Dong Ho painting, which reflected a wide range of themes, especiallygood luck wishes, historical figures, and folk allegories, was part ofthe essential decorations in each Vietnamese family during thetraditional Tet (lunar New Year) festival.

According to thevillagers, the making of Dong Ho painting dates back to the 11th centuryduring the reign of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). However, researcherssaid the craft began under the rule of the Le dynasty (1428-1788).

Inmaking the painting, Dong Ho craftsmen used raw materials from nature,including making sheets of printing papers from bark of “do” tree andcreating colours from earth, burnt bamboo leaves, sea shell.

After printing, the finished painting was covered with a layer of ricepaste to strengthen the durability of its illustration and colours andafterwards dried under the sun.

As the traditional craft hasfaded with time, efforts have been made to preserve it, with Nguyen DangChe and Nguyen Huu Sam, two of the few remaining experienced craftsmenof the village establishing their own Dong Ho painting centres.

The recognition is expected to help preserve and develop the printingart while increasing public’s awareness of traditional cultural values.-VNA