Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but the way I'm doing it now, masks appear not that useful to me, because as soon as an object is masked (select object, shift-select mask, "Set Mask"), it is impossible to edit the mask object anymore, apart from its shape using the Node tool. But for example, if I want to tweak a gradient on the mask object (I'd assume this is a pretty common task), I can't do it while the mask is still active? I have to remove the mask, edit the gradient, re-apply the mask, ad infinitum?

This can't be right?

Thanks!

Hi.

You can use a clone for masking and edit the parent. Maybe hide the parent object on another layer.
For complex masking you can make a group for the parent object and enter the group if you want to add more objects inside.

Thanks for your answer. I've actually had thought of that already and it works, but it's a very convoluted way about doing a pretty common operation. Maybe someone should tell the Inkscape guys to add a "Select Mask Object" feature?