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The Art of Hàng Trống Paintings - The Subtle Beauty of Old Hanoi - Printable Version

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The Art of Hàng Trống Paintings - The Subtle Beauty of Old Hanoi - admin - 10-08-2024

When talking about Vietnamese folk paintings, people often think of Đông Hồ paintings, but few know there is another genre that carries the cultural essence of Hanoi: Hàng Trống paintings.
 
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Originating in the 17th century, Hàng Trống paintings are named after Hàng Trống Street, where many artisans gathered to create these works of art. Unlike Đông Hồ paintings, Hàng Trống paintings are printed on điệp paper, a high-quality paper made from the bark of the dó tree, giving the paintings an elegant and sophisticated appearance.

Hàng Trống paintings are known for their bright colors, intricate lines, and tight compositions. The content is diverse, reflecting the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the people of old Hanoi.

Some famous themes in Hàng Trống paintings include:
  • Religious Paintings: Depicting deities, Buddhas, and ancestors worshipped in households.
  • Celebratory Paintings: Conveying wishes for luck, wealth, and peace for the family.
  • Historical Paintings: Illustrating significant historical events of the nation.
  • Folk Paintings: Describing the daily life and customs of the people of old Hanoi.
Today, Hàng Trống paintings are not only an art product but also a valuable cultural heritage of Hanoi. However, the craft of making Hàng Trống paintings is gradually fading due to the competition from modern art forms. Preserving and promoting the value of Hàng Trống paintings is an important task that requires the collective effort of the community.

If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, be sure to stop by the shops selling Hàng Trống paintings to admire these unique artworks and learn about a traditional cultural aspect of the capital.