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 Snuff Box, Ceramic with Sun Motif, French Design, 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in London, England
The tobacco pot, a true emblem of French culture, is an object full of history and tradition that dates back several centuries. Initially designed to preserve tobacco and facilitate ...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Tobacco Jar, Ceramic, Vintage French Design, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
Roger Capron 1 of 5 Tobacco jars, France - 1970s
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Footed Serving Dish
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Footed Serving Dish by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tab...
Ceramic
$10,000
H 14 in W 10.5 in D 7 in
Roger Capron French Ceramic Artist Vase Day and Night Vallauris, France c 1970
By Roger Capron, Jean Derval
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron ceramic vase titled Day and Night created in 1970 with Jean Derval. This form was often also created as a lamp. The vase is much more rare and a similar vase is pictured...
Ceramic
$210Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.86 in W 0.56 in D 1.86 in
Silver snuff box with engraved floral motifs and hinged lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver snuff box with engraved floral motifs and hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Sheffield. Weight: 31.11 grams. Dimensions: 4.7x1.4cm. Content: 925/1...
Silver
French Snuff Box, circa 1800
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Scarlet tole French snuff box, circa 1800, navette form - silver trimmed. 3.5" w, 1" h, 1.75" d Whitehall Antiques is a family business that has been...
Tin
$245Sale Price|30% Off
H 2.76 in W 1.58 in D 2.76 in
Silver snuff box with floral motifs engraved on the hinged lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver snuff box with floral motifs engraved on the hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 49.08 grams. Dimensions: 7cmx4cm. Content: 95...
Silver
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Plate with Horse
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Plate with Horse by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled t...
Ceramic
Silver snuff box with reliefs
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver snuff box with Islamic-style reliefs. Metal: Silver. Origin: Middle East. Mark: Absent. Weight: 44.14 grams. Dimensions: 5.3cm x 1.8cm. Content: 925/1000. Assay M...
Silver
$1,767Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in Dm 7.88 in
Vintage French Ceramic Cachepot by Roger Capron, 'circa 1970s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Vintage French ceramic cachepot by Roger Capron (circa 1970s). A charming Provençal style cover pot presents a surrounding band with repeating plant motif and geometric shapes. There...
Ceramic
$1,656Sale Price|25% Off
H 6.11 in Dm 6.5 in
Vintage French Ceramic Cachepot by Roger Capron 'circa 1960s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Vintage French ceramic cachepôt by Roger Capron (circa 1960s). A luscious creamy white base with a top band in a repeating pattern in lovely blues; below that another with leaf motif...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Glazed Ceramic Humidor
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Molded Ceramic Humidor with "Tabac" and Patterned Stamped Designs; Moss-colored Glazed Ceramic Finish with Original Natural Cork Stopper.
Ceramic
Silver snuff box with floral motifs
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver snuff box with engraved floral motifs surrounding a monogram card. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 80.11 grams. Dimensions: 8.5cm x 3c...
Silver
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Pitcher with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative pitcher signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.7 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
20th Century Roger Capron Vallauris Ceramic Tobacco Recipient, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice 20th century Vallauris Ceramic Tobacco recipient from the 1970s by the French Designer Roger Capron. This recipient was made to keep tobacco dry. Cork plug. This recipient...
Ceramic, Cork