Woodblock printing is thought to have been introduced from China as early as the Ly dynasty (1010-1225). This colourful image, made from recycled paper, belongs to a set of 12, was produced using a combination of woodblock printing for the outlines, and filled in with Chinese inks.The Hang Trong style is known after the street named Hang Trong, where resident printmakers were part of a lively industry up until the 1940’s. These prints were made by Mr. Le Ding Nghien, who has continued his family’s tradition of printmaking in this style. Vietnamese woodblock prints include a wide repertoire of images and stories, including depictions of auspicious festive activities, protective door guardians, episodes from popular legends and many more. They also include legendary folk heroes who fought the Chinese and later became deified, Buddhist and Taoist deities, popular stories associated with feritlity, relationships and satirical forms of social commentary.The image illustrates the vitality of country youth.
