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 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
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
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
$9,676
H 13 in W 51.19 in D 24.41 in
Roger Capron Signed Ceramic Coffee Table, Moribana decor, circa 1974, France.
By Roger Capron
Located in Brussels, BE
Beautiful Roger Capron Tk1 coffee table, Moribana decor, circa 1974, France. 4 cylindrical oak feet plywood and enameled white and brown ceramic tiles, leaf and herb decor. Signed R...
Sandstone
$12,000
H 15.55 in W 47.24 in D 15.16 in
Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron (1922-2006), France, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table made of a black lacquered iron frame and a rectangular tabletop of ceramic tiles. These tiles feature a geometric pattern in black, white, and red. The tabletop is signed "R. Capron...
Iron
$5,310
H 13.78 in W 55.12 in D 20.48 in
Vintage Roger Capron Coffee Table, Ceramic Herbiers Design, 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Vintage herbarium coffee table by Roger Capron. Rare in this configuration. Very good condition. The discovery of ceramics led Roger Capron to change his medium. In 1946, he settled...
Steel
$9,062
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
Roger Capron, Low Coffee Table, Tile, Stained Wood, France, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Stamford, CT
Roger Capron, French Mid-Century Modern, Guarrigue Low Coffee Table, Floral Tiles, Stained Wood, France, 1970s French modernist rectangular waterfall coffee or cocktail table design...
Ceramic
$3,304
H 15.75 in W 41.74 in D 18.12 in
Glazed ceramic coffee table with a steel base by Jean Garbero, Vallauris, 1950.
By Roger Capron
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
A very lovely mid-century coffee table from Vallauris. The tabletop features colorful tiles with geometric and floral patterns. J. Garbero was a ceramicist active in Vallauris during...
Steel
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
Ceramic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table by Roger Capron Shogun model, large one Signed Wood feet France, Vallauris, 1970's
Ceramic, Wood
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 by Roger Capron, France, Circa 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, France, Circa 1960s
Ceramic
Ceramic Coffee table by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Coffee table by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
Ceramic, Wood
