Dragon motifs have been preserved and creatively expanded upon by folk painting artists in Dong Ho village in Song Ho Ward, Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province, enriching the traditional folk paintings with new themes.
Dragon paintings made specifically for those born in the Year of the Dragon. (Photo: VNA)
An ancient dragon procession painting (left) and a similar new artwork. (Photo: VNA)
Meritorious artisan Nguyen Thi Oanh works on a dragon painting. (Photo: VNA)
A dragon symbol in a Dong Ho folk painting. (Photo: VNA)
Those who create Dong Ho paintings still diligently preserve and practice their craft. (Photo: VNA)
For centuries, Dong Ho paintings were used as precious decorations to celebrate the Tet festival. People bought the paintings to hang on their walls for a year, which are then replaced with new ones for the next New Year. Dong Ho painting was inscribed in the list of national intangible cultural heritage in December 2012.
Dong Ho folk paintings are one of the most famous folk painting genres in Vietnam. Beyond just decoration, though, the paintings also convey moral lessons.
A figurine set inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings has been released by the Lamphong creative studio and a Gen Z artist. The handmade artworks can be wonderful Mid-Autumn festival gifts for children.
The ballet “Dong Ho”, with choreography based on Dong Ho folk paintings, was debuted recently by the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet at the Hanoi Opera House.
As the Lunar New Year, or Tet, approaches, artisans in Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam district, Hanoi, are busy crafting exquisite and unique handmade ceramics featuring images of dragons, to meet rising demand among customers celebrating the New Year of the Dragon.
In an effort to revive the thousand-year heritage of brown-patterned ceramics in Vietnam while creating unique gift sets, the “Thousand Years of Vietnamese Ceramics” Centre has introduced two collections consisting of 130 ceramic works featuring Vietnamese dragon sculptures.
A collection featuring 100 ceramic works depicting dragons, from Vietnamese artisan Pham Van Tuyen, makes its public debut to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon 2024.
Hanging paintings to decorate the home has become a cherished tradition during the Lunar New Year (Tet), the biggest national holiday in Vietnam. Dong Ho folk paintings, with their vibrant colours, diverse genres, and messages of prosperity, are often the top choice for Tet decorations.
Throughout Vietnam’s various historical periods, dragon symbol has consistently held a special position in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, playing a crucial role in shaping, constructing, and promoting the country’s distinctive cultural identity.
Dragon paintings made specifically for those born in the Year of the Dragon. (Photo: VNA) 
An ancient dragon procession painting (left) and a similar new artwork. (Photo: VNA) 
Meritorious artisan Nguyen Thi Oanh works on a dragon painting. (Photo: VNA) 
A dragon symbol in a Dong Ho folk painting. (Photo: VNA) 
Those who create Dong Ho paintings still diligently preserve and practice their craft. (Photo: VNA) 
