Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

By Nguyen Chi   October 15, 2022 | 04:18 am PT
Smarana Hanoi Heritage Hotel looks like a miniature museum with 50 Hang Trong paintings that evoke the charm of traditional Vietnamese folk arts.
Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

It is situated in a small alley off Duy Tan Street in Cau Giay District.

Hang Trong folk painting, a genre of woodcut painting, originated in the city's Old Quarter in the 16th century during the reign of the Le Dynasty, and used to be a part of Tet celebrations in Hanoi in the past.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The hotel looks like a museum with more than 50 hand-painted works by Le Dinh Nghien, considered Vietnam's last Hang Trong artist.

Right at the entrance are four paintings of "To nu" (Virgin Girl) dating back several decades.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The paintings can be found in all spaces like check-in lobby, bar, stairs, elevator, cafeteria, skybar, and spa.

With modernization, the tradition of making Hang Trong paintings is lost and authentic works are found only in museums and art galleries.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The highlight of this painting is the word 'Phuc' (Happiness) combined with the Chinese Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, a classic text of Confucian filial piety written by Guo Jujing during the Yuan dynasty (1260–1368).

The two-meter-tall painting, hand-painted by Nghien within three months, is placed at the main door of the hotel.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

Nghien introduces one of the Hang Trong paintings exhibited at the hotel to guests.

He is a third-generation craftsman from a family from Binh Vong village that settled down in Hang Trong Village.

Nghien began painting when he was 11 or 12 years old.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The hotel looks veritably like a museum of national culture.

Women employees wear a five-piece ao dai inspired by the beauty of ancient women in Hang Trong paintings.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The hotel rooms also take inspiration from Hang Trong paintings.

A night’s stay here costs from VND2.9 million ($121.41), according to online travel booking sites.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The bathroom is also sophisticatedly designed with red tiles from Bat Trang, a traditional craft village famous for its ceramic and pottery products.

Hanoi hotel where traditional folk paintings are preserved

The hotel has a restaurant and bar that allow an aerial views of the bustling capital.

 
 
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