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.
Rare Vallauris Tile Wall Hanging Tableau with Flowers France 1960s
By Vallauris, Roger Capron
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vallauris wall mounted decoration tiles handcrafted and signed. Beautiful decor of summer flowers glazed tiles in bright colors orange, yellow, blue, gray and red, all signed by Vall...
Ceramic, Teak
Artist Roger Capron Ceramic Tile in the Style of a Prehistoric Fossil Fish
By Roger Capron
Located in St. Louis, MO
Roger Capron French (1922–2006) large ceramic tile evocative of a prehistoric fossil fish, executed in intricate, dimensional detail and finished in...
Ceramic
A Blue Women Ceramic Sculpture by Roger Capron Vallauris France 2000's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Blue Women Ceramic Sculpture by Roger Capron Vallauris France 2000's One-Off piece. An authenticity certificate by the Capron Family will be given for the buyer Nice posture and...
Ceramic
A Red Women Ceramic Sculpture by Roger Capron Vallauris France 2000's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Red Women Ceramic Sculpture by Roger Capron Vallauris France 2000's One-Off piece. Signed R.CAPRON An authenticity certificate by the Capron Family will be given for the buyer ...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Visage Repousse or Empreinte
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic sculpture - Face Relief by Roger Capron Vallauris, France.
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Cleopatra
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage double sided ceramic sculpture of Cleopatra by Roger Capron Signed by Capron at 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
Jacqueline Capron Ceramic Panel, circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
A captivating rectangular ceramic plaque depicting a stylized fish in raised relief, intricately detailed with textured scales and glazed in a harmonious palette of turquoise, green,...
Ceramic
French Jean Gerbino for Vallauris Multicolored Mosaic Vase, 1960s
By Roger Capron, Elio Schiavon, Vallauris, Jean Gerbino
Located in Copenhagen, DK
French Jean Gerbino multicolored vase designed for Vallauris and produced in the 1960s using the Neriage technique to create amazing mosaic patterns in forest green, aqua green, ligh...
Ceramic, Pottery
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
Sculptural Metal Hanging Mobile, 1992
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural metal mobile signed and dated '92. Made up of 5 semi-circular metal pieces. Black, blue, red, yellow and white. Each level slowly rotates while hanging. Great piece of art.
Sheet Metal
Prehistoric Brannerion Fossil Fish Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This rare Brannerion fossil specimen of a prehistoric fish is an impressive find from an ex private British collection. This prehistoric fossil fish ...
Natural Fiber
glazed ceramic "Vase à Oreille" Roger Capron Vallauris 1960.
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Glazed ceramic " vase à oreille". Stylized polychrom figure of a bull on one side. Perfect thick glaze '"Oreille" or ear shaped vases are typical of ...
Ceramic
$1,375 / set
H 39.5 in W 20 in D 3 in
Pair of Hand-Painted Carved Wall Hangings, Grey Composition, 1980s
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Pair of impressive wall hanging solid composition hand painted in grey, with two different bouquet or flowers.
Composition
Glazed ceramic bottle or flask, Roger Capron, Vallauris. 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Long neck ceramic bottle or flask. White glazed ceramic with geometrical red, yellow and black linear decoration. For this shape, this is a rare example of an " mute " bottle, i.e wi...
Ceramic
Three Piece 19th Century Brass Wall Hanging Ornament
Located in Delray Beach, FL
One of a kind wall hanging ornaments made of solid brass, originally part of 19th century Antiqe screen salvage. will make exceptional decorative...
Brass
$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 Jean Derval, Roger Capron
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
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.13 in Dm 17.75 in
Twisted Copper Lanyard Wreath Industrial Circle Form Sculpture Wall Art Hanging
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Antique late 19th century twisted Lanyard pattern copper tube circle form. Could be mounted or hung. Hollow with some holes from the hand crafting.
Copper
$568
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque of Owls on a Branch by EGO, Sweden, 1960s
By Ego Stengods
Located in Barcelona, ES
Charming glazed ceramic wall plaque depicting three owls sitting on a branch. Fabricated by EGO Stengods, Sweden, 1960s.
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.97 in W 6.7 in D 4.73 in
Vide Poche Roger Capron en céramique Francaise Vallauris French Riviera 1950
By Roger Capron, Vallauris
Located in London, England
Vide poche ou cendrier de Roger Capron en céramique blanche Francaise décor floral à l'intérieur en émaux multicolores. De très belle taille il comporte quelques petites marques d'us...
Ceramic
Terracotta Sculpture by R.Capron Forming a Box, 20th Century.
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Terra cotta sculpture by R.Capron forming a box, 20th century. Sculpture by R.Capron forming a terracotta box decorated with a fish, unique piece, 20th century. H: 10cm, W: 20cm, D:...
Terracotta
Sold
H 11.03 in W 7.09 in D 2.76 in
Roger Capron : "Ligbi" tribal mask, balck glazed earthenware, c.1965
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Roger CAPRON (1922-200, France) : "Ligbi" tribal mask Black patinated glazed earthenware showing a triblal "Ligbi" mask Circa 1965 Good condtion, seems to have an old restauration...
Earthenware
Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Depicts a Face Inspired of Picasso
By Roger Capron
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblematic work, and a personal interpretation of Picasso face full of poetry and...
Enamel
Roger Capron Abstract Ceramic Sculpture on Stand
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Ceramic Figural Sculpture by Roger Capron, France, 1970s. Although he is primarily known for his tables, Roger Capron went on to create amazing sculptures later in his life.
Metal
Roger Capron Abstract Ceramic Sculpture on Stand
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Ceramic Figural Sculpture by Roger Capron, France, 1970s. Although he is primarily known for his tables, Roger Capron went on to create amazing sculptures later in his life.
Metal
Roger Capron Abstract Ceramic Sculpture on Stand
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Ceramic Figural Sculpture by Roger Capron, France, 1970s. Although he is primarily known for his tables, Roger Capron went on to create amazing sculptures later in his life.
Metal
Roger Capron Abstract Ceramic Sculpture on Stand
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Ceramic Figural Sculpture by Roger Capron, France, 1970s. Although he is primarily known for his tables, Roger Capron went on to create amazing sculptures later in his life.
Metal
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Indien
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic sculpture of Indian head by Roger Capron. Signed by Capron Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his u...
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Pitcher Vase Signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized Bird vase signed Capron Vallauris circa 1950 Measures: H 22 cm x L 20 cm.
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Pitcher Vase Signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized Bird vase signed Capron Vallauris circa 1950 Measures: H 22 cm x L 20 cm.
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Pitcher Vase Signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized Bird vase signed Capron Vallauris circa 1950 Measures: H 22 cm x L 20 cm.
Ceramic