Mason Reed
Mason Reed — 'Celadon Flask and Cups' Ceramic Set, 2026
The idea to create square cups for this work came from the Japanese masu, a square wooden box originally used for measuring rice and later sake. Having made cups for drinking alcohol, it seemed only natural for Mason to create a hip flask to accompany them.
The work is made entirely from clay dug by hand from Kilcunda, South Gippsland. Basalt inclusions in the clay have been left in, and the clay is quite sandy and dark tan in colour when raw. All three pieces were built by slab, with the mouth of the flask wheel thrown.
The glaze has been applied meticulously with a spray gun to build up a very thick layer, something not possible with other application methods. This thickness is key to the sheeting crackle patterns that decorate the surface.
Work was fired to 1,300°C in a reduction atmosphere, with the celadon’s blue colour coming solely from the iron content of the clay.
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Mason Reed works full-time as a ceramicist from his studio in Kinglake. Before this he worked as an interpreter and translator in French and Portuguese.
Mason's practice is heavily focused on ceramic chemistry, combining commercially mined materials with found and foraged materials that I have analysed, to create specific chemistries not otherwise possible. His true passion lies in celadon glaze and its many variations, and he has devoted thousands of tests to developing it over the years. Mason fire in an electric kiln and a hand-built gas kiln, across a wide range of temperatures and atmospheres.
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Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026
5 September – 3 October
Following the success of last year's prize, Craft is delighted to continue our partnership with Mud Australia to present the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026.
The Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) was established in 2020 by Mud Australia Founder and Creative Director, Shelley Simpson, to support and champion the next generation of Australian ceramicists.
Presented in partnership with Craft Victoria, the annual prize is open to ceramic artists working across functional ware, fine art, handcrafted objects and broader commercial ceramic practices. Alongside a $10,000 cash prize, shortlisted finalists will be exhibited at Craft Victoria as part of a dedicated exhibition celebrating contemporary Australian ceramics.
Read more about the exhibition here:
Materials: Kilcunda clay, basalt rock, celadon glaze
Dimensions: Cup 1 6 x6 x6cm, Cup 2 8 x8 x8cm, Flask 13 x 10 x 4cm
Please note when purchasing, exhibition works are to be collected when exhibition closes.
Shipping costs may be estimates. Please feel free to contact shop@craft.org.au who will be available to provide an Art Courier quote or shipping costs for larger items.