This shows that beyond economic value, the fine spiritual and cultural values passed down from previous generations have continued to be preserved and transmitted.

Nguyen Ngoc Chien introduces the painting “Ma Dao Thanh Cong”.

In Dao Tu residential area, these days mark the peak season for votive paper production.

From early morning, both the elderly and the young are hard at work - some cutting paper, others assembling frames, and others completing sets of ceremonial hats, robes, shoes, and accessories for the upcoming Kitchen Gods worship ceremony.

Some families, despite having prepared materials since mid-year, still have to work overtime continuously to fulfill orders on time. Votive paper products from this area have long been renowned nationwide.

They serve not only the Lunar New Year but also extend into the festival season in the early months of the new year. The votive paper craft is a key economic pillar, sustaining the livelihoods of most local residents.

While Dao Tu has long specialised in votive paper making, just an alley away lies the neighbouring Mai village (now Dong Khe residential area of Thuan Thanh ward), which is famous for its folk paintings.

The golden age of Dong Ho folk paintings was around the late 19th century, when the entire village - 17 clans with hundreds of households - was engaged in painting production.

Since 1945, however, the market gradually shrank, and villagers could no longer make a living from painting, leading many to switch to votive paper making.

Today, Dong Khe residential area has more than 500 households with nearly 2,400 residents, of them 90% engage in votive paper production, while only three families continue the traditional painting craft.

Encouragingly, after many years of struggling with the votive paper trade, thanks to the dedication of artisans and the attention of Party committees and local authorities, the folk painting craft has shown signs of revival in recent years.

In December 2025, the Dong Ho folk painting craft was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, creating a major spiritual boost.

Numerous domestic and international visitors have since come to visit and learn about the craft, bringing joy to artisan families and to folk art enthusiasts alike.

Dong Khe and Dao Tu, two residential areas of Thuan Thanh ward, were originally ancient craft villages along the Duong River, sharing many similarities and cultural intersections.

Through the ups and downs of time, both villages have preserved their unique identities, maintained ancestral traditions, and continued to develop. Beyond providing livelihoods for local people, the crafts of folk painting and votive paper making also contribute to preserving the spiritual and cultural values of Vietnamese life.

Unique Dong Ho folk painting art

BAC NINH - At 14:38 Indian time (16:08 Vietnam time) on December 9, at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi, UNESCO officially inscribed Vietnam’s Dong Ho folk painting craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Dong Ho folk painting craft added to UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list

This is Vietnam’s 17th intangible cultural heritage element recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

 

Dong Ho folk paintings shine at Vietnam’s national exhibition

BAC NINH - As Vietnam marks its 80-year journey of independence, freedom and happiness, traditional Dong Ho folk paintings from Bac Ninh province are set to take center stage at the national achievements exhibition in Hanoi, offering a vivid reminder that culture remains a core part of the country’s identity.

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The artwork measures 2.4 metres by 7.2 metres, spanning over 17 square metres, weighing three tonnes, and was completed on a single double-sided panel without joins.

 

Vietnamese artist's painting sold at $60,000 in London auction

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