Dong Ho folk paintings, Quan ho singing introduced in Paris
The event featured two cultural treasures, Dong Ho folk paintings and Quan ho (love duet) folk singing, offering French audiences and the Vietnamese community in France an opportunity to experience these traditional art forms.
Introducing and demonstrating Dong Ho painting to the audience. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA)☂ – A cultural event showcasing the heritage of Vietnam’s northern region of Kinh Bac - a land with long history and ancient culture in the country was held in Paris on April 7.
Titled “Vietnamese Cultural Night – Essence of Kinh Bac Heritage”, the programme was jointly organised by Bac Ninh province and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France.
The event featured two cultural treasures, Dong Ho folk paintings and Quan ho (love duet) folk singing, offering French audiences and the Vietnamese community in France an opportunity to experience these traditional art forms.
The initiative comes as Vietnam is seeking UNESCO's recognition of Dong Ho folk paintings as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, with a decision expected in December 2025.
From the reception, guests were immersed in a traditional setting, welcomed by artisans and performers in Bac Ninh attire. The audience engaged in hands-on activities such as woodblock printing, calligraphy, and traditional toy-making under artisan guidance. A video presentation on Dong Ho paintings was also featured, followed by live demonstrations.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh provincial People Committee Le Xuan Loi said the province has been preparing for the UNESCO's recognition since 2019, including the establishment of a conservation centre for the folk painting. The province aims to promote and safeguard this fading craft internationally.
Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador to France Anoa Suzzanne Dussol Perran expressed her strong support, calling Dong Ho a deeply rooted cultural expression that deserves global attention. She welcomed the opportunity to help bring Vietnam's local products and culture to a broader audience.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang emphasised the key role of culture in bridging nations and fostering mutual understanding. He noted that cultural exchanges help build trust and respect, laying a solid foundation for broader cooperation across various fields.
Beyond the celebration, the event served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, aiming to strengthen ties and preserve national heritage./.
As part of the national intangible cultural heritage, Dong Ho painting or Dong Ho folk woodcut painting is a genre of Vietnamese folk painting, stemming from Dong Ho village in the northern province of Bac Ninh in the 17th century.
Dong Ho folk paintings, crafted by the people of Dong Ho village (Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province), are a unique part of Vietnam’s folk art. Despite numerous challenges, a few artisans remain dedicated to preserving this tradition, safeguarding its techniques, and inspiring future generations to cherish their cultural heritage.
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