Old Quarter to host activities honouring poonah paper

Folk paintings printed on ‘do’ (poonah) paper and how the paper is made will be introduced through the programme “Vietnamese Poohnah Paper – Past and Present”.
Old Quarter to host activities honouring poonah paper ảnh 1Tourists will have a chance to learn how to make do paper. (Photo courtesy of Zo Group)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Folk paintings printed on ‘do’ (poonah)paper and how the paper is made will be introduced through the programme “VietnamesePoohnah Paper – Past and Present”.

The programme will run from April 24 to May 25at Kim Ngan Temple, 42-44 Hang Bac street, Hanoi.

The Old Quarter Management Board has organisedthe event to give residents and tourists a chance to learn more about poonahpaper, products made from the paper, the way they have been made and tools usedto make the images.

Many artisans from poonah-making villages andexperts will take part in the event.

“Poonah paper is made from tree bark, it looksthin but it’s durable,” said artisan Cao Ngoc Han.

“Through various steps, a finished piece ofpaper can last for centuries. That makes it unique in comparison with othertypes of paper.”

“Among various traditional trades of theVietnamese people, paper-making is an age-old trade and supplies paper fordifferent purposes such as printing folk paintings (Dong Ho and Hang Tronggenres), printing books and writing calligraphy.”

“This kind of paper was also used to make sacphong (king's certificates to confer titles on people) during feudalreigns.”

Tran Thi Thuy Lan, vicechairwoman of the Old Quarter Management Board, said the paper has a strongattachment to the life and society of Vietnamese people. It has been thematerial used to preserve the cultural and historical values for thousands ofyears.

“More and more artists and painters are using itin their work,” Lan said, adding “That’s why we want to help people learn moreabout it.”

The introduction of poonah paper is one of thecultural activities held to celebrate Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day(May 1).

Exhibitions and fashion shows by Hanoi-baseddesigners will take place from April 27 to May 1 at the mural area on Phung Hungstreet. With the theme Quintessence of Vietnamese Crafts, the event willintroduce various trades of Hanoi such as silk from Van Phuc village, conicalhats of Chuong village, fans of Chang Son village, lacquerware of Ha Thai villageand pottery of Bat Trang village.

Traditional music will be performed every nightin the area.

An exhibition of paintings by Nguyen Quoc Thaiwill take place at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre,50 Dao Duy Tu street, from April 28 to May 9. With the theme War andPeace, the exhibition displays posters and paintings on historical events,soldiers, people and landscapes.-VNS/VNA
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