Roger Capron is best known for his geometrically complex, vibrantly colored tile-topped coffee tables. These mid-century furnishings, with their comely palettes and playful arrangements of abstract forms or natural-world motifs, are approachable yet sophisticated. They draw on Scandinavian modernism and exemplify the Parisian ceramist’s belief in ensuring that things of beauty are easily and widely accessible, a principle espoused by French decorative artist and designer René Gabriel.
Capron graduated in 1943 from the School of Applied Arts in Paris. In a small atelier he later founded with Robert Picault and Jean Derval in Vallauris, Capron made alluring sculptures, table lamps and other objects and found inspiration in the work of Pablo Picasso, who had also opened an atelier in the region. He parted ways with his fellow ceramists in 1952 in order to open his own manufactory, Atelier Capron.
Initially staffed by a handful of workers, Atelier Capron captured international attention. His pieces were sold in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Gimbels. Later, Capron’s wife, Jacotte, studied art and became a valued collaborator. Owing in part to her expertise in mixing pigments and glazes, Capron’s best-known ceramics feature dazzling colors and whimsical characters. Like Picasso, he experimented with many artistic styles and never settled on one technique for too long. His coffee tables, side tables and decorative objects are among the most enduring and coveted designs of the mid-century modern era.
While Capron’s factory had grown tenfold by 1980, it shut down a few years later after a slew of competitors began mass-producing cheaper imitations.
Capron won an award at the Milan Triennial in 1954 and International Grand Prize for Ceramics in 1970. His works have been displayed in the Musée National de la Céramique and the Musée Magnelli.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Roger Capron ceramics, tables and other decorative objects and furniture.
Roger Capron Ceramic "Femme Provençale" N°CAP10
By Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
French ceramist Roger Capron, initially interested in drawing, discovered ceramics and moved to Vallauris in 1946, where he set up a workshop called Callis. He joined forces with Rob...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic Rooster N°CAP09
By Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
French ceramist Roger Capron, initially interested in drawing, discovered ceramics and moved to Vallauris in 1946, where he set up a workshop called Callis. He joined forces with Rob...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic Rhino N°CAP07
By Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
French ceramist Roger Capron, initially interested in drawing, discovered ceramics and moved to Vallauris in 1946, where he set up a workshop called Callis. He joined forces with Rob...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic Sculpture "Lion et L'elephant" 1990 N°CAP11
By Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
French ceramist Roger Capron, initially interested in drawing, discovered ceramics and moved to Vallauris in 1946, where he set up a workshop called Callis. He joined forces with Rob...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic Totem N°CAP14
By Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
French ceramist Roger Capron, initially interested in drawing, discovered ceramics and moved to Vallauris in 1946, where he set up a workshop called Callis. He joined forces with Rob...
Ceramic
$437
H 5.5 in W 8.5 in D 3 in
'O.D. 1' by Brian Bosworth, Ceramic, Underglazes, Lava Glaze
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 5.5" x 8.5" ceramic wall sculpture was created by Brian Bosworth. This is a contemporary piece that demonstrates sophisticated glazing techniques and compositional balance. The ...
Ceramic, Underglaze
$481
H 11.42 in W 9.85 in D 2.37 in
Textural Monochrome Wall Sculpture Organic Relief Abstract Contemporary Art
By Elizabeth Art Candy
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Original monochrome wall sculpture exploring texture, repetition and organic growth through densely intertwined sculptural forms. This unique wall sculpture belongs to Elizabeth Art...
Clay, Canvas, Spray Paint
"Pre-Columbian Chinesco Bowl, " Glazed Ceramic circa 300 B.C.
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This Chinesco bowl was from a pre-Columbian society from around 300 BCE. It features abstract, geometric designs in red and black. The diameter is 8".
Ceramic, Glaze
$1,200
H 10.5 in W 4 in D 2.75 in
Bodies at Rest #29, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, Metallic
By Paige Stewart
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Bodies At Rest #29 by Paige Stewart is a one-of-a-kind ceramic sculpture that presents a tall, pared-down human form shaped by gravity and internal force. The slick bronze metallic g...
Ceramic, Glaze
$550
H 4.25 in W 6 in D 4.25 in
Bodies at Rest #5, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, White
By Paige Stewart
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Bodies At Rest #5 by Paige Stewart is a sculptural ceramic form that feels balanced and quietly powerful, with rounded, architectural volumes connected by a gentle central curve. Its...
Ceramic, Glaze
$2,500
H 3 in W 5.5 in D 4 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Rock Crystal, 1995, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$2,500
H 6.5 in W 3.5 in D 3 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Monument 4, 1994, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$2,500
H 8.5 in W 5 in D 3 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Monument #26, 1993, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$2,500
H 6.25 in W 3.5 in D 1.5 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Monument 1, 1995, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$2,500
H 6 in W 4 in D 3.75 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Monument #43, 1993, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$2,500
H 8 in W 2.75 in D 3 in
Dorothy Mayhall, Monument 5, 1995, Terracotta, Acrylic Paint
By Dorothy Mayhall
Located in Darien, CT
Dorothy Mayhall's small sculptures are little monuments to be toyed with and handled. They should be picked up, fondled, and examined like a rock or shell you collect on the beach be...
Terracotta, Acrylic
$725
H 5.25 in W 8 in D 2.25 in
Bodies at Rest #6, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, White
By Paige Stewart
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Bodies At Rest #6 by Paige Stewart is a minimalist ceramic sculpture that feels calm and architectural, with soft, flowing contours balanced by grounded, geometric forms. Its matte, ...
Ceramic, Glaze