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 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
$4,670
H 13.78 in W 46.46 in D 22.84 in
Roger Capron “Garrigue” Ceramic Tile Coffee Table, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Almelo, NL
Roger Capron “Garrigue” Ceramic Tile Coffee Table, France, 1960s This refined coffee table was designed by Roger Capron in France during the 1960s and belongs to his iconic Garrigue...
Ceramic, Beech
$4,320
H 13 in W 27.17 in D 38.78 in
French "Herbier" Ceramic Tile and Oak Coffee Table by Roger Capron - 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
An iconic Mid-Century Modern coffee table model "Herbier" (Herbarium), designed by renowned French ceramic master Roger Capron (1922–2006) in his Vallauris workshop, France, circa 19...
Ceramic, Elm
$4,150
H 10.63 in W 51.97 in D 24.81 in
Roger Capron “Garrigue” Ceramic & Bent Beechwood Coffee Table, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Almelo, NL
Rare Roger Capron coffee table featuring original Garrigue ceramic tiles set in a solid bent beechwood frame with elegant waterfall ends. A sculptural and highly collectible example ...
Ceramic, Beech, Bentwood
$9,095
H 15.36 in W 29.34 in D 28.55 in
Roger Capron Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Ceramic & Metal, 1960, green
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Table en céramique, pied en métal. Kaki Dimensions : 39 x 72,5 x 74,5 cm.
Metal
On Hold|$8,800
H 10.75 in W 51.625 in D 24.5 in
Roger Capron, Coffee Table, Wood, Ceramic, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige ceramic tile coffee table designed and produced by Roger Capron, France, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10.75"H x 51.625"W x 24.5"D All items ship from Hig...
Ceramic, Wood
$18,190
H 15.36 in W 47.45 in D 19.89 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Low Table by Roger Capron, France, c. 1965
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
An elegant coffee table in a contrasting colour scheme. The top is made of hammered ceramic tiles partially glazed with stylised patterns reminiscent of a subtle rug and known under ...
Ceramic
Roger Capron ceramic and wood coffee table
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, circa 1960 A stunning coffee table by the renowned French master ceramicist Roger Capron. This piece features a tabletop composed of...
Ceramic, Wood
$13,643
H 10.63 in W 48.43 in D 21.26 in
Ceramic Coffee Table "Alouette" by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
Ceramic
Ceramic coffee table "Shogun" by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Small Shogun coffee table by Roger Capron Ceramic top and wood feet - rare with this material 1960's
Ceramic, Wood
$8,731
H 11.82 in W 16.54 in D 45.67 in
Roger Capron Coffee Table, Glazed Ceramic, Mid Century Design, France 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in London, England
The Roger Capron coffee table in enameled ceramic is much more than just a piece of furniture; it is a work of art that perfectly illustrates the talent of the master ceramist. Made ...
Metal
$3,524
H 13.39 in W 55.12 in D 22.45 in
Roger Capron Signed Herbier Ceramic and Wood Coffee Table, France, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in MONTPELLIER, FR
Exceptional vintage coffee table designed by Roger Capron (1922–2006), produced in Vallauris, France, circa 1970. This elegant rectangular coffee table features a beautifully compos...
Ceramic, Wood
$12,506
H 11.03 in W 26.78 in D 38.59 in
Ceramic coffee table "Shogun" by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Small Shogun coffee table by Roger Capron Ceramic top and wood feet - rare with this material 1960's
Ceramic, Wood
Ceramic coffee table "Shogun" by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Small Shogun coffee table by Roger Capron Ceramic top and wood feet - rare with this material 1960's
Ceramic, Wood
French Ceramic + Oak Coffee Table Attributed to Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French coffee table from the 1960s, attributed to Roger Capron, where symbolism and structure are held in careful balance. Circular in form, the table is anchored by a solid oak f...
Ceramic, Oak
French Ceramic 'Shogun' Coffee Table by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French ceramic Shogun coffee table by Roger Capron from the 1960s. Grounded by four solid cylindrical legs in stained wood, the table carries a quiet architectural weight. Its rou...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron Oval Ceramic Coffee Table, model “Herbier” - France circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Roger Capron Oval Ceramic Coffee Table, model “Herbier”. Handcrafted ceramic tiles with real leaf impressions created during firing. Signed by the artist. Dark wood legs. France, 196...
Ceramic, Wood
"Les Herbiers" Coffee Table by Roger Capron for Vallauris, France, 1960s
By Vallauris, Roger Capron
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in the Les Herbiers Coffee Table by renowned designer Roger Capron from France, originating in the 1960s, is a testament to acquiring a piece of artistry that seamlessly co...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron small green ceramic sofa end table Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Small coffee table or side table of the French ceramist Roger Capron from the 60's. Structure of the base in black lacquered metal and top made with glazed tiles in green and brown t...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 45.28 in D 18.12 in
Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vintage Ceramic Vallauris 1960s Tiles Derval
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Ceramic coffee table of the famous French artist Roger Capron dating from the 1960s. Ceramic tile top representing very decorative floral motifs. Enameling in a cameo of browns, beig...
Ceramic, Wood
Sold
H 11.62 in W 40.56 in D 35.83 in
Vintage French Coffee Table with Leaf Motif Tiles by Roger Capron 'circa 1970s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Coffee table with leaf motif earthenware tiles by Roger Capron (circa 1970s). This charming oval-shaped table is a quintessential example of collectible Capron. There are nature-them...
Ceramic, Wood
Vintage French Round Tiled Coffee Table by Roger Capron 'circa 1970s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Coffee table with decorative earthenware tiles in leaf motif by Roger Capron (circa 1970s). This charming table is a quintessential example of collectible Capron. There are nature-th...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern, France, 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous Roger Capron ceramic tiles centre table, circa 1960s, France. Tabletop in Pietradura technique and raised on jointed and supported stained oak legs cross stretcher. The to...
Ceramic, Walnut
Roger Capron Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern, France, 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous Roger Capron ceramic tiles centre table, circa 1960s, France. tabletop in Pietradura technique and raised on jointed and supported stained oak legs cross stretcher. The to...
Ceramic, Walnut
Roger Capron Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern, France, 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous Roger Capron ceramic tiles centre table, circa 1960s France. Tabletop in Pietradura technique and raised on jointed and supported stained oak legs cross stretcher. The top o...
Ceramic, Walnut
Sophisticated Ceramic Tiled and Oakwood Artwork Coffee Table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Voorburg, NL
Fantastic ceramic tiled coffee table with oakwood foot made and designed by the French artist Roger Capron in the 1970s. The frame is very stabile dark oakwood with nice square legs....
Ceramic, Wood
Sold
H 13 in Dm 37.41 in
Superb Ceramic Tiled and Oak Wood Artwork Coffee Table by Roger Capron, Signed
By Roger Capron
Located in Voorburg, NL
Fantastic ceramic tiled coffee table with oakwood foot made and signed by the French artist Roger Capron in the 1970s. The frame is very stable dark oakwood with nice round legs. The...
Stone
Roger Capron Mid-Century Modern France Ceramic Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Round coffee table designed by Roger Capron with dark wooden legs and a tiled table top depicting leaves, made in France, circa 1960s. Please note th...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern, France 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous Roger Capron ceramic tiles centre table, circa 1960s France. tabletop in Pietradura technique and raised on jointed and supported stained oak legs cross stretcher. The top...
Ceramic, Walnut
1970s Cocktail Table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Weesp, NL
French coffee table by Roger Capron (1922-2006). Eggshell-colored ceramic tabletop inlaid with glazed ceramic panels forming a stylized sunflower on a stem with two leaves. Raise...
Ceramic, Oak