The Time Mask and the Old Artisan in Hoi An

A unique stop for photographers in the ancient town

During photo tour journeys exploring Hoi An, visitors often seek unique cultural spots to capture frames rich in heritage. One of the places that makes a strong impression on the photography community is the painting workshop “Mặt nạ Thời Gian” (Time Mask) of artisan Bùi Quý Phong.

Located peacefully in the ancient town, this small workshop is both a creative space and a place to display and introduce traditional, colorful masks.

Endless inspiration for Hoi An photo tours

Artisan Phong specializes in painting masks that simulate characters in Hát Bội (Classical Vietnamese Opera) and Tuồng (Vietnamese Traditional Theatre), a classical art form of Vietnam.

The thick layers of paint, strong colors, and clear expressions make each mask a wonderful subject for photography.

Many photographers and photo tour groups often come here because the light in the workshop, the aged space, and the masks hanging on the walls create a very photogenic composition.

The mask without eye holes – the soul preserved

What intrigues visitors and photography enthusiasts the most is the fact that the masks do not have eye holes.

Mr. Phong gently explains:

“I want the mask to be hung as a piece of art, not a toy. The eyes are where the soul is kept, so the viewer can feel the story the mask wants to tell.”

For those working in visual arts, this “preservation of the soul” creates emotional depth, making the photographic works more soulful and distinctive.

A place to preserve culture for those who want to tell stories through pictures

More than just a sightseeing spot, “Time Mask” is also a place that inspires anyone who loves photography, whether beginners or professional photographers on Vietnam photo tours.

Each mask, each story of artisan Phong provides excellent material for creating photo collections rich in culture and emotion.