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.
Vase « Pyjama », by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Large baluster-shaped vase with « Pyjama » design in polychrome enameled ceramic. Signed Capron Vallauris. In perfect condition, but some original enameling defects are visible on the photos. Roger Capron, France (1922-2006) Roger Capron, born in Vincennes on September 4...
Ceramic
$1,121Sale Price|31% Off
Roger Capron Ceramic "WHISKY" Bottle from Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Unusual stylized ceramic bottle "Whisky" signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s.
Ceramic
Vase à Oreilles par Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie vase dit : « à oreilles par Roger Capron, grand modele.
Ceramic
White ceramic pitcher "Calvados" by Roger Capron from the 60's from Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large pitcher "Calvados" in ceramic of Roger Capron of the Sixties. White enameling on the whole pitcher with a multicolored geometric decoration on the bottom of the vase and the in...
Ceramic
$1,167Sale Price|20% Off
Roger Capron - Rare Wall Flower Vase
By Roger Capron
Located in MOUGINS, FR
A rare wall flower vase by Roger Capron (1922-2006) in white ceramic with patterned design created using paraffin during the glazing process, as well as a black / yellow painted patt...
Ceramic
Small Vase with Pyjama Decoration by Roger Capron for Vallauris, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Small Vase with Pyjama Decoration by Roger Capron for Vallauris, 1960s Vintage Design Roger Capron (1922-2006) Small vase with 'Pyjama' decoration Glazed ceramic Signed 'Capron Vall...
Ceramic
$2,802
Roger Capron bottle
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Bouteille tripode par Roger Capron à décor figuratif.
Ceramic
$1,681
Cup by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Coupe en céramique à décor abstrait, par Roger Capron à Vallauris. Signée.
Ceramic
$1,485Sale Price|25% Off
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Cognac Flask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative flask signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring mo...
Ceramic
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Gin Flask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative flask signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring mo...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic "GIN" Bottle from Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized ceramic bottle "GIN" signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s. Unusual with this design, nice condition
Ceramic
Interesting square vase, by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, circa 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Rare square enameled stoneware vase by Capron in Vallauris, decorated with a winged chimera. It is stamped « Capron Vallauris France ».
Stoneware
Largest balustre vase by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare et large vase balustre par Roger Capron,
Ceramic
Raku Decorative Bowl by Roger Capron, Unique Odalisque Design, Vallauris 1997
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Pignate designates a traditional tureen from the french riviera of which the town of Vallauris was the almost exclusive center of production. This magnificent and unusual creation t...
Terracotta