Roger Capron Boxes
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.
1970s French Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
1950s European French Provincial Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
Late 19th Century American Other Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Roger Capron Boxes
Silver
Late 19th Century German Black Forest Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Metal
1890s French Majolica Pottery Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Majolica
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Cocobolo
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Roger Capron Boxes
Hardwood
Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Wood
19th Century Dutch Georgian Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Boxwood, Fruitwood, Walnut
Early 20th Century British Roger Capron Boxes
Mahogany, Cedar
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Silver Plate
20th Century Irish Modern Roger Capron Boxes
Cedar
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Roger Capron Boxes
Wood
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Roger Capron Boxes
Metal
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
1960s French Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic
1970s French Vintage Roger Capron Boxes
Ceramic, Cork