UNESCO is reviewing the application for Dong Ho folk paintings from Vietnam.

(CLO) UNESCO will consider the nomination of Vietnam's Dong Ho folk painting craft as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage took place in New Delhi, India from December 8-13, 2025.

This session will consider and decide on the inscription of intangible cultural heritage dossiers on UNESCO lists, including the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguard.

The opening ceremony of the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi. Photo: ANI

Currently, 68 nominations have been submitted to UNESCO by 78 countries worldwide . Among them, the nomination of Vietnam's Dong Ho folk painting craft as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding will be considered at this 20th session.

The craft of making Dong Ho folk woodblock prints has been created and developed by the Dong Ho village community in Bac Ninh province for hundreds of years.

Made entirely from natural materials, Dong Ho folk paintings bear the strong imprint of traditional culture with cheerful, innocent images and embody dreams of a prosperous and happy life.

Over the years, Bac Ninh province has implemented numerous programs and actions to preserve, protect, and promote this unique traditional folk art form. The province focuses on training a new generation of young artisans, encouraging and supporting existing artisans to innovate and create new versions of Dong Ho paintings, while also promoting the image of Dong Ho paintings.

In 2023, Bac Ninh province inaugurated and put into operation the Dong Ho Folk Painting Conservation Center; organizing free tours to help visitors have in-depth experiences with the Dong Ho painting space.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh is one of the three remaining artisans of Dong Ho painting village. Photo: T. Toan

At domestic and international cultural exhibitions and events, the experience of making Dong Ho paintings is always a highlight that connects tourists and international friends with this unique form of Vietnamese folk art.

However, the craft of making Dong Ho folk paintings faces many challenges and risks of disappearing, with most of the painters having switched to making votive paper goods. Currently, in Dong Ho village, only 3 families of artisans remain committed to the craft.

Source: https://congluan.vn/unesco-xem-xet-ho-so-tranh-dong-ho-cua-viet-nam-10321795.html