Thai Arts Masters: Khon Mask

Thai PBS and Thailand Foundation proudly present “Thai Arts Masters”, where we explore the stories of master craftsmen from all across Thailand.

In this episode, we explore the craft skills behind one of Thailand’s most recognizable cultural icon: the Khon Masked Dance.

We visited Master Wisanu Padungsilp to learn about the process of making Khon masks. This ancient art is considered to be one of the most difficult disciplines of Thai craftsmanship. A mask maker must draw on a variety of skills, including, sculpting, lacquer work, painting, gold leaf decoration, and more. In the end, the masks must be able to transform performers into the characters they inhabit.