Telling stories using traditional Vietnamese dó paper.

Driven by a desire to preserve and revitalize traditional Vietnamese dó paper, a group of young people, led by Lê Trang, owner of the Dutra café chain in Phan Đình Phùng ward, along with collaborators from various locations, have combined folk techniques and contemporary art styles through workshops. The workshop, "Dó Paper - Revival from Memory," is held monthly and attracts a large number of young participants.

Le Trang (second from the left) shares her journey of "connecting" with Do paper at the workshop "Do Paper - Revived from Memory".

Modern inspiration on classic materials.

For the past five years, Le Trang, a young person passionate about Vietnamese culture, has been diligently searching for answers to the question: "What is Do paper? Where does it come from, and why has it endured so long in the hearts of the Vietnamese people?"

Trang spent a lot of time researching dó paper. Not only did she read books or search online, but she also traveled to the highlands of Tuyên Quang to meet artisans who still practiced the traditional dó paper-making craft.

There, she witnessed the papermaking process firsthand. Each step represented a cultural aspect, a story of patience and respect for nature.

The yellowish, thin, lightweight, and flexible handmade dó paper is made entirely by hand.

Not stopping there, when she had the chance to return to her hometown in Bac Ninh , Trang visited Dong Ho painting village, a land closely associated with Do paper and Vietnamese folk paintings. Only after going there did she realize that Do paper is not just a piece of paper, but a living treasure trove.

And once they got their hands on dó paper, Le Trang and her colleagues organized workshops incorporating activities such as learning the papermaking process, learning how to draw on dó paper, or making highly practical crafts (like decorations, decorative lamps, etc.). Every last Sunday of the month, the "Dó Paper - Reviving Memories" workshop at Dutra Art Hub cafe in Phan Dinh Phung ward becomes a meeting place for many young people who share the same passion.

Carefully observing and learning about this special type of dó paper through stories and videos that Le Trang and her colleagues recorded during their trips, the young people present were all extremely fascinated. From the very first touch, the yellowish, thin, yet flexible sheets of paper, made entirely by hand from the bark of the dó tree, created a captivating allure for many young people.

Revived thanks to the hearts of young people.

Using handmade paper in home decor.

Le Tham, from Hanoi – one of the founding collaborators of the workshop “Do Paper – Revival from Memory,” shared: “The group’s goal is not only to preserve the traditional craft but also to make do paper a part of modern life. Do paper is not just a material, but a way of life. It carries the philosophy of simplicity, sustainability, and respect for nature.”

More than just a traditional material deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural life, dó paper is gradually becoming a silent "cultural ambassador," known and loved by many foreigners for its rustic charm, sophistication, and enduring value.

Josh Daniel Stewart from the US, who attended a craft workshop in Thai Nguyen, shared: "I've traveled to many regions of Vietnam and heard from friends about the type of paper commonly used in Dong Ho folk paintings. But this is the first time I've seen this type of paper in real life. I was particularly fascinated by the stories the young people told about their journey of discovering Do paper. I never imagined that Do paper could be used to make greeting cards, decorative lamps, fans... so artistically. I truly love Do paper. I will definitely stay here longer and learn more about the unique and distinctive culture of Vietnam."

The hand fan made from do paper evokes childhood memories.

Offering a creative artistic platform, the "Do Paper - Revived from Memory" workshop also helps young people access traditional culture in a way that is relatable, practical, and insightful.

Beyond its role as a "storytelling" material, products made from dó paper, such as paintings, greeting cards, bookmarks, lanterns, and decorative lamps, attract handicraft enthusiasts with their aesthetic value and strong Vietnamese cultural identity. This signals that dó paper can fully enter the modern creative market and make positive contributions to many aspects of life.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202509/ke-chuyen-bang-giay-do-f6c1ca0/