Vietnamese folk woodblock paintings attract foreign visitors

Appearing for the first time at two leading regional international tourism events taking place on September 3 and 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, the group of artists and collectors of woodblock folk paintings quickly made their mark, attracting the attention of the public and especially international visitors.

On the morning of September 4, within the framework of the High-end Tourism Forum at the Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Fair (ITE HCMC) 2025, the small exhibition booth of the woodblock group became bustling. Mr. Pham Minh Hai (43 years old, cultural researcher; working at the University of Arts - Hue University) diligently introduced to visitors about famous folk paintings: Dong Ho, Sinh village, Kim Hoang, Hang Trong...

Experience Vietnamese culture at international fair

Not only displaying, the group also brings unique experiences. With prepared sheets of Do paper, visitors can use the woodblocks to print black outlines using the common technique of Vietnamese folk paintings and then print them on paper. From familiar paintings such as roosters, babies holding ducks, stylized Sino-Vietnamese characters, to dragon and phoenix motifs of Hue royal court, each work completed in just a few minutes has made many foreign visitors admire.

"I didn't expect Vietnam to have such a vivid handmade painting genre. When I personally printed a Dong Ho painting, I clearly felt the sophistication and cultural meaning hidden in it," a foreign visitor shared.

Tourists enjoy making woodblock paintings at the international tourism fair

PHOTO: LE NAM

Mr. Pham Minh Hai shared that his journey began with the research of folk paintings from Sinh village (Hue) and royal court patterns of the Nguyen Dynasty. Sinh village paintings were originally symbolic, used in rituals and then burned, so they are almost absent in contemporary life. "Although they are called paintings, most of them are not for decoration, but only for rituals. Therefore, many young people do not even know about them, or if they do know, they find them strange and difficult to approach," Mr. Hai said.

He has organized free experiential activities for many years to promote but without much success. "Sinh village paintings have almost lost their position, the last artist, Mr. Ky Huu Phuoc, has no successor. I also know that introducing only one type of painting is very difficult. If you want people to be interested, you have to put the story into a larger overall picture," he said.

From Sinh village paintings to woodblock paintings: a common home for many genres of Vietnamese folk paintings

PHOTO: LE NAM

Since then, he founded Moc Ban not only to introduce Sinh village paintings, but also to be a "common home" for many genres of Vietnamese folk paintings, all using the same woodblock printing technique. Through familiar images such as Dong Ho rooster paintings or children holding chickens, he skillfully leads viewers to little-known stories about Sinh village paintings.

"The path I took was quite lonely, receiving little attention from the community. Luckily, I met some individuals, experts and foreign guests who really liked me. And the biggest turning point was when The Decor Hub, a business in Ho Chi Minh City, offered to accompany me," he shared.

It was this cooperation that helped the woodblocks appear for the first time in the international arena. After learning about the project, the representative of the unit, Ms. Ha Nguyen, flew to Hue to meet Mr. Hai in person and promote cooperation. "Enterprises are the wings for traditional handicraft cultural models. Without that support, we would hardly have had the opportunity to debut at an international event like ITE HCMC," Mr. Hai emphasized.

Vietnamese folk paintings have the ability to heal

Surprisingly, the people who spent the most time at the workshop were middle-aged and young men. They patiently printed each picture, absorbed in observing each carving. Mr. Hai realized: "Perhaps folk paintings touch deep emotions, helping them find tranquility in the midst of a bustling life. This could be a form of healing."

Ms. Ha Nguyen (who cherishes bringing woodblock culture closer to the public) is instructing how to apply ink to the painting stencil.

PHOTO: LE NAM

He hopes that woodblocks will not only be short-term events, but will become a permanent space for the public to come and admire and experience. Furthermore, the group wants to create outlets for artisans by placing orders and bringing products to art lovers, thereby nurturing the traditional craft.

Each folk painting carries a spiritual and cultural message. For example, the painting "Ong Doc's Boat" from Sinh village, associated with the legend of Saint Tran and Pham Nhan, symbolizes the intersection between the earthly world and the underworld. Or the image of the "spiritual horse", which is not only for decoration but also has the meaning of guiding the soul.

The paintings 'Ong Doc's Boat' (left) and 'Spiritual Horse' (right) both carry spiritual and cultural messages.

PHOTO: LE NAM

Hue royal court motifs such as flowers and birds (peonies and mandarin ducks) symbolize wealth and complete happiness. Meanwhile, the rooster painting evokes the sun-yang trigram, the five virtues of men (benevolence, courtesy, wisdom, trustworthiness, and righteousness) and the crowing that dispels darkness.

"Viewers of paintings not only see a work of art, but also touch the deep layers of culture and beliefs of the Vietnamese people," said Mr. Hai.

After its first debut at ITE HCMC, woodblocks have become known to many international visitors, opening up the potential for widespread development. Mr. Hai and his colleagues hope to continue bringing this experience to other major cities, organizing regular workshops, especially inspiring the younger generation.

"The ultimate goal is not only to preserve, but also to breathe new life into folk art, so that it can accompany modern life. We hope that through tourism, Vietnam's traditional cultural heritage will be spread more strongly to friends around the world," Mr. Hai affirmed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tranh-dan-gian-moc-ban-viet-thu-hut-khach-nuoc-ngoai-185250904175702049.htm