Bắc Ninh is a province of Vietnam, located in the Red River Delta of the northern part of the country. It is situated to the east of the Vietnamese capital, Hà Nội, and borders Bắc Giang, Hưng Yên, Hải Dương, Vĩnh Phúc, and Hà Nội. Bắc Ninh Province was formed around the municipality of Bắc Ninh, while the modern Bắc Giang Province encompasses Bắc Giang Municipality and most of the old Hà Bcắ Province's rural districts. Visit Bắc Ninh, you can go to Phật Tích Pagoda, Hand-printed paintings…
Phật Tích Pagoda
The pagoda, also called Vạn Phúc Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, and underwent several transformations throughout the years. It was first renovated during the Lý Dynasty. In 1057, King Lý Thánh Tông had a tower erected and a golden statue made. Later in the 17th century, the pagoda was enlarged. Unfortunately, the pagoda was ravaged by the war in 1947 and was rebuilt again in a simpler style in 1958. However, since 1991, the pagoda has been reconstructed following ancient architectural designs. Among the remains of the pagoda is a statue of Buddha. The columns are decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and various types of traditional musical instruments
Hand-printed paintings – Bắc Ninh province
The printing of paintings by means of engraved wooden blocks was a unique form of handicraft in which the peasant-artist could display all his talents. These were known as Tết paintings, as families would buy them at the time of the Lunar New Year festival to decorate their homes. Whole villages were engaged in the production of these items alternately with farm work, the most famous being Đông Hồ village, 40 kilometres northeast of Hà Nội. This folk art genre spread rapidly to other villages. In Hà Nội, Hàng Trống (Drum) Street also specialised in the production and sale of such paintings. Each link in production (drawing, carving, printing and colour application) was undertaken by a master-craftsman. The designer chose the theme and drafted an outline for those experienced in the craft to see before mass production could begin.
The painting was done on paper, which was then glued to a wooden board for carving. This carved board became a family heirloom to be inherited by the artist's children. and grandchildren. Each family member undertook a different task in preparing the materials and colours and in the printing process itself. The printing paper was colour-dyed and coated with a layer of powdered mother-of-pearl shell. Colouring agents were extracted from plants or minerals while gold and silver outlines increased the magnificence of religious paintings. Subjects initially illustrated scenes from rural life - chickens around a mother hen, piglets with a sow, a plump child holding in its arms a fat carp or duck - all these images representing a life of abundance constantly dreamed of by peasants. Scenes of farm labour, village festivals, coconut collecting, wrestling, cock-fighting...
Đình Bảng Communal House – Bắc Ninh Province
Đình Bảng was the native place of Lý Công Uẩn (or King Lý Thái Tổ) - founder of the Lý dynasty (1010-1225) and Thăng Long capital (1010). The village comprises a group of historical and cultural relics, espcially those of the Lý dynasty, which are diverse, unique and of national historical significance, including temples, pagodas, tombs, and monuments. They are typical of the Vietnamese village culture. Đình Bảng communal house was built in the early 18th century and construction was completed in 1736. The house faces south, with a lake at its front where duet singing of boats used to be organised, attracting innumerable visitors during the village festivals. The central gate was built with bricks in the shape of a lantern. At its two sides there are vaulted gates with fake roofs. Each carving at Đình Bảng communal house is like a masterpiece and is reputed for its uniqueness, which impresses any visitor. The carving are eight horses happily playing on a meadow; awaiting lion couple, each in its own posture: dragons in festivals; five dragons fighting for a gem; etc. The topic for these carving comes from traditional legends, and the images are of the four sacred animals (dragon, lion, tortoise and phoenix), or four valuable plants (pine, apricot, chrysanthemum, and little bamboo). Every year, Đình Bảng spring festival is organised, luring a great number of visitors, who come to enjoy traditional entertainments and relaxation after hard working days.
Bút Tháp Pagoda – Bắc Ninh province
Bút Tháp Pagoda is situated on the dike of the Đuống River, Thuận Thành district, Bắc Ninh province. The pagoda was built in the 17th century, during the late Le dynasty. Its founder was Chinese Buddhist Priest Zhus Zhus, who died in 1644. Queen Mother Trịnh Thị Ngọc Trúc requested that Lord Trịnh Tráng enlarge the pagoda in 1646. The pagoda was built includes 10 buildings spread over 100 meters, from the three - entrance gate to the bell - tower and back house. Two 13m towers, Tôn Đức and Bảo Nghiêm, are made of white rock, making the pagoda seem higher, more majestic and peaceful. Some remains of the 17th century are kept here such as statues, valuable donations, Nine - Story Lotus Tower, Tuyết Sơn statue, Bảo Nghiêm tower. The last renovations of the structure were carried out in 1992.
Dâu Pagoda – Bắc Ninh province
Dâu Pagoda, also known as Diên Ung, is situated in Dâu, Thuận Thành district, Bắc Ninh province. Built in the 3rd century, Dâu Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Việt Nam. In the beginning, the pagoda was a Buddhist center well known throughout the country and abroad. At the end of the 4th century, Ch’an Master Vinitaruci gave lectures, and the first Vietnamese Buddhist doctrine was produced there. In the pagoda’s yard, there is a three-storey tower called Hòa Phong. In the tower, there is a large bell produced during the Cảnh Thịnh dynasty (1793), a big bronze gong produced during the 18th year of the reign of Minh Mạng (1817), and statues of Pháp Vân, Kim Đồng, and Ngọc Nữ, followers of the Goddess of Mercy according to Buddhist legends.
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