1. Origins – The Village by the River

Đông Hồ village lies in Bắc Ninh province, about 35 kilometers east of Hanoi. The craft began in the 16th century, during the Lê dynasty, when local farmers used their skills to make prints for Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations. Each family would buy a new print to hang in their home, hoping to invite luck, prosperity, and protection. The village’s proximity to the Đuống River provided easy access to the dó bark and the clay used in pigments. At its height, over 150 families were engaged in the craft, each specializing in a specific set of prints. Today, a small group of dedicated artisans continues the tradition, preserving a national treasure.

2. The Artist’s Palette – Natural Materials and Handmade Paper

What makes Đông Hồ prints unique is their complete reliance on natural materials. The paper is made from the inner bark of the dó tree (Rhamnoneuron balansae), pounded, mixed with water, and spread over bamboo screens to dry. The result is a tough, slightly glossy sheet that absorbs colour beautifully. Pigments are ground from:

• Điều (red) – from the sap of the cajuput tree, mixed with sand for texture.
• Vàng (yellow) – from the turmeric root or the flowers of the wild chrysanthemum.
• Xanh (blue/green) – from the indigo plant or copper rust.
• Đen (black) – from bamboo charcoal or the soot of burned bamboo.
• Trắng (white) – from crushed eggshell or seashell, creating a subtle shimmer.

Each colour is applied with a brush or by hand‑printing from carved wooden blocks—a process requiring years of training.

Master carver at work: each wooden block takes weeks to complete and can last for generations.

3. Stories in Pictures – Symbolism and Popular Themes

Đông Hồ paintings are rich with symbolism, often carrying hidden wishes. “Gà Đại Cát” (Great Luck Rooster) shows a rooster and hen with chicks, symbolizing family harmony and the hope for many children. “Lợn ăn cây ráy” (Pig Eating Taro) is a playful image representing prosperity; the pig’s circular markings suggest coins. “Vinh hoa” (Glory and Honor) depicts a nobleman’s procession, while “Hứng dừa” (Coconut Harvest) captures the joy of rural life. Many prints also draw from folk tales: “Thầy đồ cóc” (Toad Teacher) satirizes Confucian scholars, and “Đám cưới chuột” (The Rat’s Wedding) offers a humorous critique of greed and hypocrisy. Each painting is a miniature storybook.

“When you hang a Đông Hồ print, you are not just decorating your wall. You are inviting the village’s spirit into your home—the laughter of children, the blessing of the ancestors, the promise of a good harvest.” — artisan Nguyễn Đăng Chế, Đông Hồ Village

4. The Craft – Woodblocks, Printing, and Patience

The creation of a single print involves several stages. First, the design is drawn on paper and transferred to a woodblock, usually made from thị wood (Diospyros decandra) or jackfruit wood. The artist carves the outline, leaving raised surfaces that will receive ink. For multi‑colour prints, a separate block is carved for each colour—some prints require up to five blocks. Printing is done by hand: the block is inked, pressed onto the dó paper, and the paper is then rubbed with a pad to transfer the image. Colours are applied one layer at a time, each needing to dry before the next. The final step is sometimes a hand‑colored touch to add details like the eyes of animals or the veins of leaves.

5. A Threatened Heritage – Revival and UNESCO Recognition

Like many traditional crafts, Đông Hồ faced near‑extinction in the late 20th century. Mass‑produced prints and changing tastes led to a sharp decline. However, a revival began in the 1990s thanks to a few dedicated artisans and cultural organizations. In 2018, Đông Hồ folk painting was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Today, visitors can still meet the last master artisans in Đông Hồ village. The community has opened a small museum and offers workshops where travellers can try their hand at printing, ensuring the craft’s survival.

6. Experiencing Đông Hồ as a Traveller

A visit to Đông Hồ village is a step back in time. From Hanoi, it’s a scenic 40‑minute drive. The village is small; a few family workshops remain open to the public. The Đông Hồ Folk Painting Museum houses antique prints and tools, and often hosts demonstrations. For a hands‑on experience, you can join a printing workshop—you’ll carve a small block or print an existing one to take home. The best time to visit is before Tết (January–February) when the village is most active. In Hanoi, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and Đông Hồ Gallery on Hàng Trống Street also showcase these prints.