In Dong Ho, the family of artisan Nguyen Huu Qua stands among the few still committed to preserving the centuries-old tradition of Dong Ho folk painting—a craft recognized by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Once flourishing in the early 20th century and earlier, Dong Ho painting was an integral part of Vietnamese cultural life. During major occasions such as Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, families would decorate their homes with vibrant prints symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. The paintings also held spiritual significance, often used in ancestral worship. At its height, the village bustled with workshops, and the rhythmic process of woodblock printing was a familiar sound.

Qua's son Nguyen Huu Dao (born in 1990) is an outstanding young artisan in Dong Ho painting art. Photo: VNA

Qua's grandson Minh Dang (born in 2017) is familiar with basic steps in making paintings. Photo: VNA

Artisan Qua guide his grandchildren to do simple steps in making paintings. Photo: VNA

Generations of Qua's family continue to preserve the craft. Photo: VNA

Today, that vibrancy has faded. Modern printing technologies and shifting consumer tastes have reduced demand, leaving only a handful of families continuing the craft. Among them, Nguyen Huu Qua’s household represents a rare continuity—not only preserving traditional techniques but also nurturing a younger generation willing to carry them forward.

In Qua’s workshop, the process remains meticulous and time-honored. Woodblocks are carefully carved by hand, natural pigments are prepared from organic materials, and each print is made with deliberate precision. Yet what sets the family apart is the presence of younger members actively learning and practicing the craft. Their involvement signals more than inheritance; it reflects a conscious effort to revive an art form that has endured for over 500 years.

Over 60 years old, Qua is still keen on the craft. Photo: VNA

Over 60 years old, Qua is still keen on the craft. Photo: VNA

Qua introduces his works to visitors. Photo: VNA

Through workshops, cultural exchanges, and growing interest from visitors, Dong Ho painting is gradually finding renewed relevance. For the younger generation, preserving the craft is not simply about maintaining tradition—it is about reimagining its place in contemporary life.

As challenges persist, the dedication of families like Nguyen Huu Qua’s offers a measure of hope that the vivid colors and cultural narratives of Dong Ho painting will continue to endure.