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.
Vintage Italian Pencil Cane and Brass Planter / Basket in the Style of Crespi
By Roger Capron
Located in Vienna, AT
A sophisticated mid-century modern decorative basket or planter, handcrafted in Italy during the 1970s. This piece is a quintessential example of the Hollywood Regency era, closely f...
Brass
$3,800
Roger Capron Bowl
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron Bowl, Glazed Earthenware Made in France, c. 1960 Glazed earthenware, signature to underside ‘Capron Vallauris M82’.
Earthenware
$3,464 / set
H 12.21 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Three Rattan Bamboo Planters / Baskets with Brass Rim, Italy, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Three Mid-Century Modern rattan planters / baskets with brass rims. Italy, 1970s Three rattan baskets in different sizes. The larger one in squared shape and the smallers roun...
Brass
Roger Capron - Slanted Vintage Ceramic Bowl with Yellow and Black Lines
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Slanted Vintage Ceramic Bowl with Yellow and Black Lines by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known fo...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Deep Vintage Bowl with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Deep Vintage Bowl with Cobblestones by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables a...
Ceramic
Italian Rattan and Brass Waste Basket or Planter, Italy
Located in Milan, IT
Italian rattan and brass waste basket, or can also be used as a planter.
Brass
$2,447
H 14.18 in W 15.75 in D 14.18 in
Rattan Large Round Planter / Basket with Ring Handles and Brass Rim, Italy 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern rattan pencil reed large planter or basket. Handcrafted in Italy, 1970s. Round shaped rattan structure with brass rim and ring handles at both sides. Ins...
Brass
Brass & Pencil Reed Rattan Trinket Basket in the style of Gabriella Crespi
Located in London, GB
This brass and pencil reed rattan trinket basket is a refined decorative accent with the glamorous, organic-modern sensibility associated with pieces in the style of Gabriella Crespi...
Rattan, Abalone
1970s Rattan Cane Brass Basket Centrepiece by Vivai del Sud Italy
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A stunning 1970s Italian oval basket hand-crafted in curved pencil reed, split cane and brass. This delightful decorative object was produced in Italy during the 1970s by Vivai del S...
Brass
$179Sale Price|45% Off
H 5.12 in W 13.39 in D 7.88 in
Vintage Italian Filigree Basket or Bowl in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An Italian Openwork/filigree/pierced basket or bowl for fruit bread or decorative purposes. Its made from solid cast brass that has patinated beautifu...
Brass
White Vase by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Vase by Roger Capron White glazed ceramic with black decoration. Signed : Capron Vallauris B.A Vallauris 1960’s France, 1960’s Dimension ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Rattan and Brass Planter or Decorative Basket, Italy 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful decorative basket or planter fully made in curved rattan, wicker and brass. This lovely object is attributed to Vivai del Sud and made in Italy during the 1970s, clearly in...
Metal, Brass
Roger Capron vase
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie vasr à anses par Roger Capron, bel émaillage
Ceramic
$340Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in Dm 14.5 in
Large Italian Pencil Reed Bamboo Basket Bowl / Planter with Liner
Located in San Diego, CA
Large Italian pencil reed bamboo basket bowl / planter with plastic liner, circa 1970s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 14.5"D x 7.5"H. A very nice piece that can be used as a large fruit bowl or a MCM planter...
Bamboo, Reed