Tranh Đông Hồ - khúc biến tấu ngoài khung giấy điệp | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Tranh Đông Hồ (Dong Ho Paintings): Vietnamese folk woodcut paintings originating from Dong Ho village, known for their rustic aesthetic, natural colors, and depiction of folk themes.
• Digitalization of Cultural Heritage: The process of converting traditional art forms like Tranh Đông Hồ into digital formats for wider accessibility and preservation.
• UNESCO Recognition: The inscription of Dong Ho painting craftsmanship onto UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
• Cultural Preservation through Technology: Utilizing digital platforms and animation to revitalize and promote traditional art forms to younger generations and international audiences.

Tranh Đông Hồ: Revitalization Through Digitalization and UNESCO Recognition

I. The Enduring Appeal of Tranh Đông Hồ

Tranh Đông Hồ, characterized by its rustic aesthetic, natural color palette, and unique folk spirit, continues to inspire artists and artisans. The art form isn’t limited to traditional giới điệp (New Year’s prints); it’s experiencing a dynamic transformation within the digital realm, breathing new life into this heritage within contemporary society. The transcript highlights the increasing presence of Dong Ho paintings on digital platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

II. Digital Platforms for Dissemination and Engagement

The transcript details a strategic use of social media for promoting Tranh Đông Hồ. Content includes videos showcasing the painting process, the stories of the artisans, and the art itself, all edited concisely and vibrantly. Crucially, this content is translated into multiple languages – specifically English and Chinese – to broaden its reach to an international audience.

A local artisan is quoted stating, “Mình cứ vừa làm vừa đò và không biết đâu thì mình hỏi” (We just do and learn as we go, asking questions when needed), illustrating a practical, adaptive approach to utilizing technology. Further evidence of successful engagement is provided through user feedback: “Nhiều người like và thậm chí nhiều người bình luận là thật là tuyệt vời, thật là đặc sắc. Rồi có người là cám ơn gia đình đã gìn giữ di sản của quê hương đất nước” (Many people like and even comment that it’s truly wonderful and unique. Some even thank the family for preserving the heritage of their homeland). This demonstrates the positive reception and appreciation for the digital outreach efforts. The artisan emphasizes the role of information technology in facilitating communication and access to customers, enabling the propagation of cultural heritage values.

III. The Role of the Bắc Ninh Center for Dong Ho Painting Conservation

The Bắc Ninh Center for Dong Ho Painting Conservation (Trung tâm bảo tồn tranh dân gian đồng hồ bảo tảng Bắc Ninh) plays a central role in this revitalization. Alongside physical exhibition spaces, the center actively utilizes digital platforms to showcase and promote the art form. Specifically, the transcript mentions the use of digital materials to create animations based on traditional Dong Ho motifs, aiming to make the art more accessible to younger audiences.

The center’s digital strategy includes posting content on its own pages (Bắc Ninh Museum, Văn Miếu Bắc Ninh, and the Dong Ho Painting Conservation Center) and the “Go to Bắc Ninh” page. Collaboration with media outlets has resulted in a standardized brand identity. A particularly innovative initiative is the partnership with the Vietnam Circus to create “Xếc họa Đông Hồ” (Dong Ho Circus Painting), a performance that recreates iconic Dong Ho scenes like vinh quy (triumphant return), bái tổ (ancestor worship), hứng dừa (catching coconuts), and đu cây truyền thông (swinging for communication). The transcript notes that “Qua cái công nghệ số thì cái hiệu quả lan tỏa cũng rất là mạnh mẽ” (Through digital technology, the spreading effect is very strong).

IV. UNESCO Recognition and Future Prospects

On December 9th, 2025, UNESCO officially inscribed the craft of Dong Ho painting into its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This makes Dong Ho painting the 17th Vietnamese heritage element recognized by UNESCO. This recognition signifies both an opportunity and a responsibility to revive this unique folk art tradition. The transcript concludes by stating that, “Cùng những nỗ lực từ chính các nghệ nhân và chính quyền địa phương, màu dân tộc từ tranh đông hồ đang sáng bừng theo những cách rất riêng” (Together with the efforts of the artisans and local authorities, the national colors of Dong Ho paintings are shining brightly in very unique ways).

V. Technical Vocabulary

• Giới điệp: Traditional New Year’s woodcut prints, a common form of Tranh Đông Hồ.
• Vinh quy: A traditional Dong Ho painting scene depicting a triumphant return, often of a scholar passing an imperial exam.
• Bái tổ: A traditional Dong Ho painting scene depicting ancestor worship.
• Hứng dừa: A traditional Dong Ho painting scene depicting catching coconuts.
• Đu cây truyền thông: A traditional Dong Ho painting scene depicting swinging for communication.

Conclusion:

The transcript demonstrates a successful model for cultural preservation through digitalization. By leveraging social media, animation, and collaborative performances, Tranh Đông Hồ is reaching new audiences and experiencing a revitalization. UNESCO recognition further solidifies the importance of this art form and provides a framework for its continued safeguarding. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology is proving to be a powerful force in ensuring the survival and flourishing of this unique Vietnamese cultural heritage.