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.
Pair of Roger Capron Ceramic Tree of Life Paperweights
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roger Capron tree of life stoneware paperweights France, circa 1950’s Beautifully preserved Handmade, intricately etched trees Organic matte finish Marked identification Can be used...
Stoneware
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
Roger Capron Ceramic Sculpture Bottle "Lavande", 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized woman ceramic bottle "Lavande" signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1950s Nice condition, with original glass bottle inside.
Ceramic
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
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
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 - 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
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 14 in Dm 6 in
Roger Capron - Set of 4 Vintage Ceramic Goblets with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Set of 4 Vintage Ceramic Goblets with Cobblestones by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of r...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Wall Mounted Vase
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Wall Mounted Vase by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tab...
Ceramic
"Diabolo" Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron, France
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Black and white glazed ceramic By Roger Capron, Vallauris 1955’s Dimensions : Height : 21 cm (8.7 inches) Diameter : 13 cm (5.11 inches).
Ceramic
Pair of Bronze Paperweights, circa 1970, France.
By Monique Gerber
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of paperweights in the shape of pebbles, circa 1970, France. Gilded bronze. Dimensions: pebble one: 9 x 8 x 3 cm, pebble two: 8 x 7 x 3 cm. All purchases are covered by our Buye...
Bronze
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 - Vintage Freeform Ceramic Mirabelle Flask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic Mirabelle flask by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring motifs suc...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Painted Cup with Flower Motif
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely ceramic hand painted cup with blue, green and white flower motif by Roger Capron from France, 1960's. Great desk accessory to hold pens. Signed on ...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Painted Ceramic Dish with Flower Motif
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful ceramic painted dish with three small ceramic feet by Roger Capron from France, 1950's. Hand painted blue, green and white flower motif. Great desk accessory or catch-all. ...
Ceramic