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.
Gueridon Coffee Table with Colorful Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made with colorful ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. The smaller tiles are the "planètes"...
Metal
Roger Capron Model TK1 Ceramic Coffee table, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
The Capron Model TK1 is a low-slung ceramic coffee table crafted by Roger Capron in the early 1970s. Its glazed surface features the Moribana decor — evoking floral arrangements with...
Ceramic, Oak
Gueridon Coffee Table with"Planètes" from the Red Series by Roger Capron
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made with colorful ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. The smaller tiles are the "planètes"...
Metal
Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Garden table in terracotta ceramic tiles whose center is decorated with country motifs combining fruits, flowers and birds in an orientalist spirit. The enamelling in relief brings a...
Ceramic
Coffee table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Table basse par Roger Capron, elle est composée de quatre carreaux figuratifs et de teck.
Iron
Circular ceramic coffee table by Roger Capron, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Circular ceramic coffee table signed by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
Metal
$16,178 / set
Pair of navette coffee table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paire de tables navettes par Roger Capron, Les dimensions sont pour la grande : hauteur 30 cm Profondeur : 41 cm Longueur : 121 cm La petite : Hauteur : 39 cm Longueur : 81 cm P...
Iron
Stamped Stoneware Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Elegant low table dating from the early 1970s. The top is composed of a very successful arrangement of handcrafted stoneware tiles, some of which are hand-stamped with a plant. Art...
Iron
Roger Capron Fuji TK1 Coffee Table, Vintage Ceramics, 1974
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Roger CAPRON (1922 - 2006) Modèle Fuji TK1 à décor Moribana
Ceramic, Oak
Roger Capron High Ceramic Dining Table, Metal Feet, 1960s France
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
This height is rather unusual however the feet has visibly done a long time ago, metal feet, signed
Metal
Stamped Stoneware Low Table by Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Elegant table dating from the early 1970s. The top is composed of a very successful arrangement of 40 handcrafted stoneware tiles, some of which are hand-stamped with a plant. Thes...
Iron
Nesting tables by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in MONTESSON, FR
These nesting tables are designed by Roger Capron in the 1960s. The top is in glazed ceramic and the structure in metal.
Metal
Ceramic Dining Table by Roger Capron, France, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic dining table by Roger Capron, France, 1970s.
Metal
Roger Capron French Mid-Century Ceramic and Oak Sunburst Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1960s) round coffee table with a stained four leg oak frame and stretcher supporting a beige ceramic sunburst design tile top with leaf decoration. (signed: ROGER...
Ceramic, Oak
French Garrigue Ceramic Tile Coffee Table by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French Garrigue coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in the 1960s and combining ceramic and wood in one of the artist’s most iconic series. The tabletop is composed of Capron’s ce...
Ceramic, Mahogany
French Ceramic Tile Coffee Table with Bird Motif by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French ceramic tile coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in Vallauris in the 1960s. The rectangular top is composed of earthenware tiles, each individually set to form a rhythmic ...
Metal
$14,036
Table à Dîner
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
This exceptional dining or center table beautifully illustrates Roger Capron’s mastery of ceramic design and his ability to merge art, craftsmanship, and functionality. The circular...
Ceramic, Wood
Iconic 'Mexico' Low Table by Roger Capron, France c.1965
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
An elegant coffee table in a contrasting color scheme. The top is made of hammered ceramic tiles, partially glazed with stylized patterns reminiscent of a subtle rug. This design ...
Ceramic
Side table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante table d’appoint par Roger Capron, vers 1960.
Iron
Large Ellipses Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Grey hammered ceramic tiles with rhythmic drawings realised in satin white and black glazes executed with the paraffin reserve technic which made the artist's reputation since the ea...
Ceramic
SIGNED Roger Capron Ceramic Tile Impressed Florals Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in North Miami, FL
Natural earthy toned coffee table designed by French ceramist Roger Capron in the mid-20th Century. Features a rich-colored wooden base and a beautiful waterfall style ceramic top w...
Ceramic, Oak
Wood and Ceramic Inlays Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1961
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Exceptional teak coffee table with the iconic "Navettes" tiles inlay, which remain an emblematic creation of the Artist. This table made at the end of 1961 combines the lightness of...
Ceramic, Teak
$10,230 / set
Pair of Low Tables, Roger Capron, Vallauris, c. 1965
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
End tables made up of glazed lava top. Both structure and feet in black lacquered steel. One table wears the Artist's signature. Note that the feet are removable, which signs both ...
Lava
Ceramic Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Black hammered ceramic tiles with rhythmic drawings realised in satin white ans shiny red glazes executed with the paraffin reserve technic which made the artist's reputation since t...
Ceramic
Coffee Table Navette Orange by Roger Capron Design Ceramic French
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
coffee table "Navette" orange created by the french ceramist Roger Capron. Two table length 120 cm. Perfect original condition
Iron
Small Coffee Table Navette Orange by Roger Capron Design Ceramic, French, 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
One ceramic table orange Navette model designed by French ceramist Roger Capron in 1950. Very good state. The tiles move slightly over time (see photos)...
Iron
$14,869
Table Basse "Planètes"
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table "Planètes" by French ceramic artist Roger Capron Glazed ceramic top, metal frame.
Steel
Teak Coffee Table with Ceramic Inlays, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1962
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Exceptional teak coffee table with inlaid ceramic tiles that made the artist's reputation from the early 1950's. This table created during the year 1962 combines the lightness of a...
Ceramic, Teak
$3,033
Table basse
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
This coffee table features a top adorned with hexagonal terracotta tiles, typical of Roger Capron's work, along with a set of decorative glazed tiles with floral motifs. The base is ...
Metal
$3,509
Table basse
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
This coffee table features a top adorned with hexagonal terracotta tiles, typical of Roger Capron's work, along with a set of decorative glazed tiles with floral motifs. The base is ...
Metal
Iconic Navettes Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Black hammered ceramic tiles with rhythmic drawings realised in satin white ans shiny red glazes - plus a two-tile grey accent - with the paraffin reserve technic which made the art...
Ceramic
$5,888
Table Basse
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Table Basse by French ceramic artist Roger Capron Glazed ceramic top, metal structure
Steel
$9,397
Table Basse "Navette"
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table "Navettes" by French ceramic artist Roger Capron Glazed ceramic top, metal frame.
Steel
Round Brutalist Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, France 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Round Brutalist Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, France 1960 Elevate your living space with the exquisite Round Brutalist Coffee Table, the epitome of mid-century charm and art...
Cast Stone