Roger Capron, M44 Diabolo Vase, “pajamas” Design
Artist: Roger Capron
RogerCAPRON (1922–2006),M44 Diabolo Vase with “Pyjama” design, circa 1955
Glazedterracotta, hand-painted polychrome decoration.
Handwritten signature “CAPRONVALLAURIS” and model number “M44” on the base.
Dimensions:
Height:20.5 cm
Neckdiameter: 13 cm / Base diameter: 8.5 cm
Diabolo-shapedvase resting on a slightly flared circular base andrising with a profile that narrows toward the center before opening widelytoward the neck.
The entire piecefeatures a hand-painted geometric design, consisting of a regular pattern ofquadrangular fields outlined by a black mesh. Withinthis grid, various glaze treatments alternate: opaque white, saffronyellow, bright orange, deep black, as well as a remarkable speckled blue andwhite glaze with a crystallized effect, creating a subtle interplay of rhythms and contrasts.
The interiorof the vase is entirely covered with a glossy white glaze.
Analysisand commentary:
Createdaround 1955, this vase belongs to Roger CAPRON’s most sought-after period,when the ceramicist was actively contributing to the postwar revival ofFrench ceramics from his studio in Vallauris.
The“Diabolo” model perfectly illustrates the formal experiments conducted by theceramist in the mid-1950s. The silhouette, with its great architectural purity,moves away from the naturalistic references still present insome contemporary works in favor of a geometric vocabularydirectly inspired by postwar modernism.
Thedecoration reflects one of CAPRON’s major innovations: using the surfaceof the vase as a true graphic composition. The black gridstructures the space, while the glazes—deliberately varied in theirtextures and colors—create a luminous vibrancy reminiscent ofancient mosaics as well as certain explorations in geometricabstraction.
Theblue and white crystallized glazes, particularly characteristic of thisperiod, interact with the solid yellow, orange, and white areas in a balanceof great mastery. Each square is painted individually, givingeach piece a unique character despite being part of a limited series.
TheM44 model is one of Roger CAPRON’s iconic creations from theyears when Vallauris was at the height of its artistic glory, alongside the works ofJean DERVAL, Robert PICAULT, and Gilbert VALENTIN. These works bear witness to theprofound renewal of French ceramics, now regarded as anartistic medium in its own right.
Today,the pieces from this period remain among Roger CAPRON’s most sought-aftercreations, both for the quality of their design and the richness oftheir glazes.
Bibliography:
Pierre Staudenmeyer, Les Céramistes deVallauris, Paris, Éditions du Regard, 1993;
Pierre Staudenmeyer, Roger Capron,Ceramic Artist, Paris, Éditions de l'Amateur, 2003;
Alain Capron, Roger Capron, the Genius of Form,Paris, Norma Éditions, 2020.
Glazedterracotta, hand-painted polychrome decoration.
Handwritten signature “CAPRONVALLAURIS” and model number “M44” on the base.
Dimensions:
Height:20.5 cm
Neckdiameter: 13 cm / Base diameter: 8.5 cm
Diabolo-shapedvase resting on a slightly flared circular base andrising with a profile that narrows toward the center before opening widelytoward the neck.
The entire piecefeatures a hand-painted geometric design, consisting of a regular pattern ofquadrangular fields outlined by a black mesh. Withinthis grid, various glaze treatments alternate: opaque white, saffronyellow, bright orange, deep black, as well as a remarkable speckled blue andwhite glaze with a crystallized effect, creating a subtle interplay of rhythms and contrasts.
The interiorof the vase is entirely covered with a glossy white glaze.
Analysisand commentary:
Createdaround 1955, this vase belongs to Roger CAPRON’s most sought-after period,when the ceramicist was actively contributing to the postwar revival ofFrench ceramics from his studio in Vallauris.
The“Diabolo” model perfectly illustrates the formal experiments conducted by theceramist in the mid-1950s. The silhouette, with its great architectural purity,moves away from the naturalistic references still present insome contemporary works in favor of a geometric vocabularydirectly inspired by postwar modernism.
Thedecoration reflects one of CAPRON’s major innovations: using the surfaceof the vase as a true graphic composition. The black gridstructures the space, while the glazes—deliberately varied in theirtextures and colors—create a luminous vibrancy reminiscent ofancient mosaics as well as certain explorations in geometricabstraction.
Theblue and white crystallized glazes, particularly characteristic of thisperiod, interact with the solid yellow, orange, and white areas in a balanceof great mastery. Each square is painted individually, givingeach piece a unique character despite being part of a limited series.
TheM44 model is one of Roger CAPRON’s iconic creations from theyears when Vallauris was at the height of its artistic glory, alongside the works ofJean DERVAL, Robert PICAULT, and Gilbert VALENTIN. These works bear witness to theprofound renewal of French ceramics, now regarded as anartistic medium in its own right.
Today,the pieces from this period remain among Roger CAPRON’s most sought-aftercreations, both for the quality of their design and the richness oftheir glazes.
Bibliography:
Pierre Staudenmeyer, Les Céramistes deVallauris, Paris, Éditions du Regard, 1993;
Pierre Staudenmeyer, Roger Capron,Ceramic Artist, Paris, Éditions de l'Amateur, 2003;
Alain Capron, Roger Capron, the Genius of Form,Paris, Norma Éditions, 2020.
DIANE CHATELET - IMPOSSIBLE GALLERY
Antiquaire généraliste
Experte en Mobilier et Objets d'art auprès de la Chambre Européenne des Experts-conseil en Oeuvres d'art (CECOA)
EXPERTISES GRATUITES - ACHAT - VENTE
1 900 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Good condition
Material: Ceramic
Diameter: 13 cm
Height: 20,5 cm
Reference (ID): 1803594
Availability: In stock
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