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, Tile Set, Fresco., Vallauris, circa 1960
By Vallauris, Roger Capron
Located in Mouscron, WHT
"Roger Capron" tile set, Vallauris. Measures: 30x60 fresco. 8 Tiles of 15x15cm. In a perfect state. Beautiful thickness almost 1 cm.
Ceramic
$4,869Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, signed
Ceramic
Multi Colors Graphic Glazed Goblet, Vase Design by Roger Capron for Vallauris
By Vallauris, Roger Capron
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic goblet, vase hand-painted with abstract décor in shades of white, blue, yellow, and red, outlined with black lines. The result is an almost architectural effect, characteristi...
Ceramic
Rare and original ceramic bottle, signed and located in Vallauris, circa 1950/19
By Roger Capron
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Rare and original ceramic bottle, signed and located in Vallauris, circa 1950/1960.
Ceramic
$1,638 / item
Cendrier Africaniste by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in LAMBLORE, FR
This striking black ceramic ashtray by French artist Roger Capron features a stylized Africanist figure with elongated forms and geometric lines. Combining functionality with sculptu...
Ceramic
$4,494Sale Price|56% Off
Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Ceramic
$4,120Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Ceramic
Robert Picault Vallauris Mid-Century Hand Painted Pottery Pan Shaped Dish
By Robert Picault
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and important stunning French art pottery pan shaped handled serving dish by Robert Picault and made in Vallauris in the South of France. Working cl...
Pottery, Terracotta
Jean-Claude Malarmey Vallauris France Petal Decorated Covered Jar
By Jean-Claude Malarmey
Located in New Windsor, NY
A covered jar by renown French potter, Jean-Claude Malarmey (1932-1992). Signed on the bottom, Malarmey, Vallauris. This piece is decorated in petal shapes radiating on the lid in a ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Tonala Mexico Large Decorative Tile Wall Decor, 1960s
By Tonala Pottery, Ken Edwards
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Large square ceramic wall decor or tile features hand-painted Folk Art style decor with charming detailed motif of two white birds standing next to large flowering plants and red gra...
Ceramic, Pottery
Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos
By Michel Lanos
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos. 9.8 x 7.5 inches. Perfect original decorations. Artist monogram under the base. Circa 1980. Unique piece. - Born in Paris in 1926, Michel L...
Ceramic
A Decorative Ceramic Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Decorative Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s. Wife of the famous artist Robert Picault. In good condition.
Ceramic
$9,500
H 2.25 in Dm 7.75 in
Lucie Rie Signed Stamped Yellow Speckle Glazed British Pottery Bowl, circa 1950s
By Lucie Rie
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous earth-toned, yellow, green, brown speckle glazed ceramic footed bowl by famed Austrian-born British potter Lucie Rie. The bowl is signed with Lucie Rie's impressed seal on the base. A rare and unique work. Simply a must for any collector of Rie's work or a beautiful stand-alone piece sure to light up any setting. Dame Lucie Rie...
Pottery
$995
H 3.75 in W 8 in D 8 in
Rose Cabat Signed Large Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Studio Pottery Bowl, 1950s
By Rose Cabat
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, quite unique, and rare early work by famed American studio potter Rose Cabat who became well known for her ceramic "feelies" and use of innovative glazes. These formative early pieces are very scarce. This handsome work has a very natural, organic feel to it and displays a beautiful repeating pattern. This piece is signed by Cabat on the base. Would be a wonderful addition to collectors of Cabat or other midcentury potter...
Earthenware
Mid Century Ceramic Vase in Green Black and Cream Signed, Spain
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall vintage ceramic one-of-a-kind vase by Spanish artist Domingo Punter Teruel. This lovely piece is decorated and glazed in geometric designs green,...
Ceramic, Paint
Goat Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
By Dominique Pouchain
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceramic sculpture stamped Dominique Pouchain FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Ceramic
$409Sale Price|50% Off
H 4.73 in W 10.24 in D 9.45 in
Rare Antique Scolapasta in Bassano Ceramic - Hand Painted - 1950s
Located in Manzano, IT
Splendid and authentic colander (or fruit bowl for washing) in fine Bassano pottery, dating from the first half of the twentieth century. This piece represents a classic example of...
Ceramic
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.5 in W 10 in D 10 in
Rare and Unusual Signed Elsinore Pottery Spongeware Bowl
By Elsinore Pottery Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing crazed 19th century spongeware mixing bowl is signed on the base Elsinore Pottery, California. It is most unusual to find any type ...
Pottery
Big Unicorn by Dominique Pouchain
By Dominique Pouchain
Located in bruxelles, BE
Exceptional ceramic in the shape of a unicorn by Dominique Pouchain. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Ceramic
Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Ceramic
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Large plate by Roger Capron, centaure decor, 1060's, signed
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.5 in Dm 2.75 in
Roger Capron Signed Tall Vallauris Ceramic Mid-Century Modern Art Pottery Vase
By Roger Capron
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, hand painted vase by famed French ceramist Roger Capron. Tall and slender in design. Rare and scarce as we have only seen one other example of this motif. Would make ...
Ceramic
Rare Ceramic Mural by Roger Capron & Jean Derval
By Roger Capron
Located in Perpignan, FR
A unique piece, this beautiful wall sculpture was based on collaborative work Capron with the artist Jean Derval. Signed CAPRON Vallauris France.
Ceramic