The Mask Maker

We speak to possibly the last artisan of his kind and find him as enigmatic as the faces he creates…

CHU BAY (UNCLE BAY) is a curious looking character with a mane of shiny black hair, prickly mustache, dirty glasses with the price tag still on them, and shaggy, paint-splattered clothes. his hands and feet are sometimes white with plaster, and his favorite accessory is a cigarette dangling loosely from his mouth. But beneath this unkempt appearance lie the meticulous skills of an artist, one who can carve and mold rough materials into beautiful, colorful emotive masks.

“I love the tradition of hat boi theater and my masks are inspired by it,” he explains while pointing to each one hanging on a wooden square board. “every one of them is different because I let my imagination run wild sometimes. All of my drawings contain my love for my hometown, my love of imagination and my childhood.”

For Chu Bay, who experienced many hat boi performances as a child, authenticity is essential. Hat boi is a traditional dramatic art form that first appeared in Vietnam during the Tran Dynasty in the 14th century. The performances feature an array of stock characters acting, singing and dancing, who promote moral values while showcasing a story relating to a historical event. Since they portray a wide array of emotions, they often wear make-up or masks to accentuate their facial expressions.

As the story goes, a famous Chinese actor named ly nguyen Cat was imprisoned by Vietnamese soldiers in the war against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century. Wealthy Vietnamese aristocrats became aware of the actor’s talents and asked him to teach their children how to act, sing, and dance. From these humble beginnings, the art form developed over time to become an integral part of Vietnam’s cultural history.

A passionate cycle

In a tiny house-cum-studio with a cozy loft space hanging over his kitchen and bedroom, Chu Bay crouches on his hands and knees over a half finished mask, making sure every detail is precise and dramatic. As he paints, molds masks with plaster, or mixes rock powder, he flips through books detailing the design and history of hat boi to study and find inspiration.

“The only way you can have a career like mine is if you are passionate about your art form, and I am very passionate. I definitely haven’t followed any type of traditional career, but I’ve made this lifestyle work for me,” he says.

Every morning Chu Bay gets up and rides his bicycle, with his mobile gallery attached, into District 1 or District 3. He waits patiently for sales and chats with people on the street. Then in the afternoon he returns home to make more masks.

“It’s a never ending cycle,” he declares. “I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I haven’t tried for over 20 years.”

MASK MAKING GUY-IMG_5726-APR 13-ISSUE 2-NQ_

Catch him if you can

Chu Bay’s business model is as antiquated as the art form he makes his living off. He has neither an internet presence nor a consistent location where he sells: you’ve got to find him if you want a mask.

“My locations will change based on how I feel and where I want to ride. I do tend to frequent Dien Bien phu, Nguyen Dien Chu, Truong Dinh, and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia.”

Even though he is difficult to pin down, Chu Bay is well-known amongst the locals and has found a large client base among Viet Kieus who live in the US or Canada. “Sometimes people will come to me from other countries to order 1,000 masks or more at a time to sell abroad. When that happens, i rarely leave my studio for a month straight.”

His works have attracted the attention of local television stations and numerous Vietnamese publications, and he credits this to the dying art of hat boi.

“No young people are making these kinds of masks anymore,” emphasizes Chu Bay. “When I was growing up, I was the only one in my hometown who was continuing the tradition, and I learned how to make them myself. As far as I know, no one from the upcoming generation is doing what I’m doing. I’m the only one.” (Masks range from VND80,000 – VND300,000).

Image by NAM QUAN

Share this story, choose your platform!

About the author:

1 thought on “The Mask Maker”

Leave a Comment

Summer Cleaning Essential: Why Choose a Pressure Washer

Most Americans feel that a garden hose is a one-stop solution to all their problems. We mean, you can spray down the outside of your home, cobbled pathways and all, right? Here, the 1000$ question arises: do I really need a pressure washer?  Let us tell you that it is a tough world out there.

Read More »

The Rise of Niche Dating Apps Catering toSpecific Interests in 2024

The projected reach of the global online dating app market, estimated at $14.42 billion by 2030, marks a substantial growth trend with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.6% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is a testament to the changing preferences of users, who are now looking for more intentional and meaningful connections. With

Read More »

When To Take The Services Of A Blocked Drain Repair Service?

A blocked drain can be a nightmare. Not only is it inconvenient and messy, but it can also damage your plumbing system if left unresolved. Knowing when to call for professional drain repair services versus trying to unclog the drain yourself can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Here are some

Read More »

Saving Money With Affordable And Cheap Skip Bin Hire

Home renovations, office revamps, store clear-outs or warehouse cleanups inevitably generate loads of debris. Renting a skip bin provides a convenient method for disposing of high volumes of waste without blowing the budget. Follow these insider tips for scoring an affordable and  cheap skip bin hire like Aot Skip Bins to handle your rubbish removal

Read More »

Key Considerations When Hiring A Mezzanine Floor Builder

Gaining extra functional space and valuable storage capacity inside existing commercial or residential buildings often gets explored as operations scale up over time yet site acreage remains finite. While lateral expansions prove extremely expensive due to land scarcity and construction complexity, heightening ceilings to add intermediate mezzanine levels allows maximising vertical room creatively minus major

Read More »

Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Granny Flat Builder

Installing a granny flat or secondary dwelling on your property can add valuable living space for family or rental income. Hiring an experienced granny flat builder like Granny Flat Solutions is key, but not all builders are equal. Asking the right questions upfront ensures you choose the best construction team. Here are twelve essential questions

Read More »