Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Dong Ho Wood Block paintings

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Dong Ho Wood Block paintings

Exhibition celebrates wood block paintings
Paper chase: Dong Ho wood block paintings by artisan Nguyen Huu Sam will be displayed at Ha Noi’s L’Espace through February 28. — VNS Photos Truong Vi
(15-02-2008)
Master craftsman to reveal secrets of the Dong Ho technique.
An exhibition of Dong Ho folk paintings opened in Ha Noi yesterday. The most famous traditional painting style in the north, Dong Ho wood block paintings have a 300-year history. Each painting in the show has been drawn on do (poonah) paper with colouring from pigments in half-baked bricks, tree leaves, ground coal, roots and resin. The paintings reflect the aspirations of the people for peace, prosperity and happiness.
Master craftsman Nguyen Huu Sam from Dong Ho traditional village in Bac Ninh Province discussed the history of the art as well as revealed the secrets of Dong Ho painting techniques during a discussion at the exhibition yesterday evening.
The show will run until February 28 at the L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien Street. — VNS
ed note: We visited this fantastic place, see pictures.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.