[25] Atomic Jaya (2026) by Mud Rock Ceramics

Mud Rock Ceramics’ Michelle describes her work and creative process:

The rather quirky setting of Atomic Jaya, humorous script and its eye-catching stage costume made me want to focus on colours, making that the theme of this particular vase. I also wanted to get pretty technical with its surface decoration, so in this piece I applied 5 different types of methods.

Geometric forms in primary colours overtake most of the surface, first colored in with clay colored chalk, then overlapped with glaze. Whilst the glaze is still damp, I quickly sprinkle different-coloured glaze confetti, and once the piece comes out of the kiln, it goes back in again for the 3rd time after I apply a final coat of geometric patterned decals. The result is a mix of confetti bomb, solid colours, fluid glaze and maps of tiny triangles – mad science in a potter’s studio.

Specifications:
– Medium: Stoneware, glossy clear glaze, multi-coloured glaze confetti, reduction-fired three times
– Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 14 cm (L x B x H cm)
– Auction winner will receive a physical certificate of confirmation. We will reach out within 5 working days after the event to make delivery arrangements.

About Atomic Jaya:
Atomic Jaya by Huzir Sulaiman explores the implications when Malaysia decides to build an atomic bomb. Set in the year 1998, this play follows intrepid physicist Dr Mary Yuen as she joins General Zulkilfi’s plan to construct a nuclear device “for the good of the country”. Through this journey, they meet a madcap assortment of characters, notably an important canteen lady.

With its zany cast of 16 characters, Atomic Jaya is a much-loved and oft-requested comedy, making the show enjoyable amongst many since its first staging in 1998. It was then first produced by Checkpoint Theatre in 2003, and later presented in 2013 by Checkpoint Theatre.

“Playwright and director Huzir Sulaiman has done the job splendidly with his political satire ATOMIC JAYA — and the result is pure laugh-out-loud hilarity… sophisticated direction, stellar acting and sleek production design.”

— The Business Times, SG

About Mud Rock Ceramics:
Mud Rock is a ceramic studio based in Singapore, founded by ceramics artists Ng Seok Har and Michelle Lim, who have each been practising ceramics professionally for over 17 years.

We are makers of mud and clay who bond over the love of beautiful ceramics that serve us daily. From multiple bowls to a single sculpture, we find a never-ending joy in making, exploring and serving with clay.

With our own kilns, glaze laboratory and equipment, we are able to produce works, glaze formulas and even clay types for specific needs. Though dedicated to our craft, we believe in collaborations to see how our medium can complement others and to learn from those experiences.

Our current clientele comprises restaurants, design companies, architecture firms, government bodies, corporate organisations, and the quirky individual. With over 14 years of experience in the ceramics industry locally and internationally, we provide consultation on various ceramics projects as well.

With tongue-in-cheek, Mud Rock is named in reference to the local sub-culture of ‘Mat Rok’ in Singapore, as ceramic craft too is often teased as a sub-culture of the Arts. Michelle Lim and Ng Seok Har both fell in love with pottery on their individual journeys before coming together.

Driven by a lifelong love for the arts, Ng Seok Har left the banking industry to reinvest and develop her skills in ceramics making. Her journey in pottery started in Tokyo, Japan. Returning to Singapore, she continued her training intensively with a local potter, Jaqueline Low, before taking on an apprenticeship with a Thai ceramics production house under the guidance of the renowned Thai master, Somluk Pantiboon. Since then, Seok has been a full-time potter in Mud Rock and has exhibited locally and internationally as well.

As a professional ceramicist, craftsperson and maker, Michelle is versatile and cross-disciplinary. She has been an industrial designer and educator of youth at risk, for which she has received awards, and has exhibited in several local and international solo and group ceramic shows. During her Ceramics Degree, she was awarded the much-coveted Sir Geoffrey Yeend Scholarship, and completed her Bachelor’s majoring in Ceramics with First Class Honours at the Australian National University. She has been practising ceramics for over 15 years now. As the co-founder of Awaken the Dragon, Singapore’s ceramics festival, Michelle has given TED talks on Ceramics in Singapore and also guest lectured at Art and Design schools in Singapore.

“To hear Ng Seok Har and Michelle Lim talk about pottery is to experience love. They wax lyrical about how a vase is made, from the kneading and throwing of the clay, to bestowing it a form on the wheel, till it’s baptised by fire in the kiln.”

— “Obsessed Much: Ceramics” by Esquire Singapore

Mud Rock Ceramics Founders describe their work and creative process:

“If we can’t appreciate the beauty and craft behind a cup we use and hold to our lips daily, how can we understand fine art cases in museums?” [Mud Rock Ceramics] wanted to show others a connection between ceramics as a functional utility and an artistic object.

— Tatler Asia