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.
Splendid Roger Capron Rooster Framed Ceramic Tile Plaque - For Vallauris, France
By Roger Capron
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
A boldly strutting rooster fills a framed ceramic tile from Roger Capron for Vallauris, France Dark wood framed tile with cream background and dark brown detailed etching Circa 1970...
Ceramic
Large C50 centerpiece by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Large et grand plat dit : « C50 » par Roger Capron à décor abstrait vers 1960.
Ceramic
Large Lalique Crystal Bowl Centerpiece
By René Lalique
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully hand crafted Lalique centerpiece decorative bowl in a wide open "V" form shape. The bowl is embellished by engraved frosted doves and large scrolls design details. Maker'...
Crystal
Roger Capron ceramic bird pitcher Vallauris France 1960
By Roger Capron, Vallauris
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This ceramic pitcher is a special creation by Roger Capron and made in France in 1960. It's shaped like an abstract bird or rooster and was made in the 1960s. It has a surprising des...
Ceramic
Large Italian Stoneware Centerpiece by Guido Gambone
By Guido Gambone
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressive and large square stoneware platter by Guido Gambon, Italy, circa 1950s. Beautifully glazed in white a lava-like textured surface and decorated with black geometrical pa...
$1,608
H 1.97 in Dm 14.57 in
Large Handmade Hammered Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Renzo Cassetti, Italy 1970s
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic large round shell shaped centerpiece completely handmade in hammered silver plate. This beautiful piece was designed by Renzo Cassetti in Italy in the 1970s and is signed i...
Silver Plate
$1,200
H 6.5 in W 14.13 in D 0.44 in
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
$464
H 2.76 in Dm 10.24 in
Large Handmade Hammered Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Renzo Cassetti, Italy, 1970s
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful round centerpiece, entirely handcrafted in hammered silver-plated metal. This stunning piece was produced by Renzo Cassetti in Italy during the 1970s. The signature is engr...
Silver Plate
$2,382Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.91 in Dm 5.52 in
Ceramic Vase "Molaire" by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1953-65
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vase "Molaire" by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1953-65 Signed "Capron Vallauris A11".
Ceramic
Kastle Large Green Centerpiece by Karim Rashid
By Purho Murano, Karim Rashid
Located in Milan, IT
This centerpiece is a striking example of modern aesthetic and traditional craftsmanship. It was designed in 2013 by Karim Rashid and crafted of mouth-blown Murano glass. It is part ...
Murano Glass
$2,144
H 1.78 in Dm 7.88 in
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron Vallauris depicting an interior or theater scene
By Roger Capron
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Rare ceramic plate by Roger Capron depicting an interior or theater scene, black-on-white enamel. Roger Capron (1922–2006) was a renowned French ceramist celebrated for his signific...
Ceramic
$1,786
H 9.85 in Dm 6.3 in
Ceramic Vase "Bouquetière" with Flower Signed by Roger Capron Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Vase "Bouquetière" to be fix to the wall, with stylised flower, signed Capron Vallauris on back 1950's.
Ceramic
Ceramic Plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s.
Ceramic
$1,906
H 5.91 in W 6.11 in D 22.64 in
Large Roger Capron Decorative Vide Poche, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Roger Capron (1922-2006) decorative dish with bamboo handle Signed Capron, Vallauris, 1950s. Roger Capron was born in Vincennes, France on September 4, 1922. Interested in drawing, he studied Applied Arts in Paris from 1939 to 1943 and worked as an art teacher in 1945. He died on November 8, 2006 leaving behind a considerable body of work that is recognized worldwide. In 1946, Roger Capron moved to Vallauris, where he founded a ceramics workshop known as 'l`Atelier Callis', contributing to the renaissance of ceramics in Vallauris. In 1952, Roger Capron purchased an abandoned pottery in Vallauris and opened a small ceramics...
Ceramic