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.
Angelo Mangiarotti Danese Philippines Vase, Italy, 1964
By Danese Milano, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Decorative and rare ceramic vase model 4028A designed by Angelo Mangiarotti amdn manufactured by Danese, Milano Italy 1964. This rare vase is from the Philippines series designed by ...
Ceramic
Giacomo Onestini ceramic sculpture Italy 1970
By Giacomo Onestini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful ceramic sculpture designed by Giacomo Onestini made in his own atelier in Italy in 1970. It has a combination of matte and shiny glazed surfaces. The back and sides of the sculpture have a textured surface with shades of gray, green, and sometimes turquoise. On the front, there's a carved-out section that's smooth and glazed with red and gold hues. It's a very appealing and intriguing piece. You can find the artist's signature, "Onestini," on the side of the sculpture. This piece was created in the artist's personal studio. Very nice large sized, heavy piece and in excellent condition. After graduating as a master ceramist, Onestini moved to San Marino where he found employment at the "Marmaca" ceramics factory. Around the end of the 1950s, he moved to Salerno and began working with the "Ernestine...
Ceramic
Vassura ceramic Faenza sculpture made in Italy 1976
By Ceramiche Faenza
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This remarkable ceramic sculpture, created by Vassura in Faenza in 1976, is a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece. With its striking expressionist abstract composition, this large and imp...
Ceramic
Claude Morin crazy bottles vases Dieulefit France 1970s
By Dieulefit, Claude Morin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This decorative set of “Crazy Bottles,” crafted by Claude and Florence Morin in the 1970s, showcases the unique artistry and pioneering spirit of French glassmaking. Each vase is han...
Blown Glass
Max Ingrand centerpiece bowl Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A refined and highly sculptural vide poche or centerpiece designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1960. This elegant piece exemplifies the refined sens...
Brass
Guy Bareff Flamme lamp in Terracotta France 1970s
By Guy Bareff
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare early version Flamme floor lamp by Guy Bareff, manufactured in France in the 1970s. This exceptional terracotta lamp model Flamme stands as a powerful example of French sculptur...
Terracotta
Roger CAPRON - Vase Oiseau
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Vase oiseau. Céramique émaillée France, c.1960. Signé Capron Vallauris. Dimensions : 26 x 15,5 cm.
Ceramic
French Ceramic Pitcher Keraluc Bird 60s Bretagne, G394
By Keraluc
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Ceramic pitcher of the factory Kéraluc Quimper of the Sixties in the shape of stylized bird with floral and geometrical reasons on the whole of ceramics. Very decorative object and o...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase with bird Signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1956
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Famous "Vase à Oreilles" form with bird decor by Roger Capron, 1950s Signed Capron, Vallauris France. Roger Capron (1922-2006) was a student of Applied...
Ceramic
Vintage Glazed Studio Pottery Bird Form Pitcher - Unsigned - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage glazed studio pottery bird form pitcher with long beak - wheel thrown - splash glaze decorated - applied "eyes" - unsigned - 20th century. ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bird Vase, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bird Vase, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Styl...
Pottery
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bird Candleholder from Søholm, 1960s
By Soholm Pottery
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bird Candleholder from Søholm, 1960s
Ceramic
