UNESCO recognizes Dong Ho painting as an Intangible Cultural Heritage

Dong Ho painting, formed about 500 years ago in Bac Ninh, is notable for its woodblock printing technique, natural colors and themes associated with Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and ancestor worship.

On December 9th at the Red Fort in New Delhi (India), the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 UNESCO Convention adopted a decision to inscribe the Dong Ho folk painting craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Dong Ho painting, formed about 500 years ago in Bac Ninh , is notable for its woodblock printing technique, natural colors from indigo leaves, red pebbles, sophora flowers, peacock powder, bamboo ash... and themes related to Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and ancestor worship. All stages such as drawing patterns, carving woodblocks, mixing colors, and printing paintings are done by hand.

According to UNESCO, the heritage site meets the criteria for inscription because it is deeply intertwined with cultural life, but currently only a few households maintain the craft; the number of skilled artisans has decreased sharply, and few young people are following in their footsteps; some techniques require long-term training; and the heritage site has been inventoried with the participation of the community.

The protection plan includes opening training classes, conducting inventories, designing new patterns, expanding markets, providing raw materials, and ensuring occupational safety for artisans.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/unesco-cong-nhan-nghe-tranh-dong-ho-la-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-post1082141.vnp