The printing paper is made of bark of a tree called “ Dzo”.  The background paper is originally white. People use natural materials to change the colors of the papers which are usually orange, pink, yellow, purple.... Colors of the painting are refined from various kinds of tree leaves, which people can easily find in Vietnam.  Particular, the red color is taken from earth of hills and mountains; the black color is from coal of burned bamboo’s leaves, the glitter white color is made of sea shells. The original point of Dong Ho folk painting is the durability of colors. The painting is covered by a layer of sticky rice paste (called “ ho nep”) to protect the painting and their colors. They are so long lasting, so that it is very difficult to make them dimmer even time or day light.

These paintings are bought in Dong ho village, and are made by Mr. Nguyen Huu Sam and Mr. Nguyen Dang Che, two famous masters of Dong Ho folk painting, who are still living in Dong Ho village. Each painting is completely hand printed on Dzo paper following the ancient style and tradition. The provocative color is made by natural material especially the glitters are made by sea shells.