Roger Capron (1922-2006) Large "woman" Vase

Important ceramic 1970 stamped -Roger Capron in Vallauris- showing a large vase of oblong section in chamotte and enameled clay called gingerbread color animated by an incised decoration representing a character with a cubist female figure, model listed entitled "Woman" presumed production the collaboration between the Capron workshop and the artist Jean Derval, traditionally resulting from an order for the decoration of the Hotel Byblos and La Pinède in Saint-Tropez. Very good condition, dimensions: 31.5 cm high X 23 cm wide X 11 cm. The French ceramist Roger Capron was born in Vincennes in 1922. He studied at the School of Applied Arts in Paris from which he graduated in 1943 and worked for a time as a teacher. In 1946 Roger Capron moved to Vallauris in the south of France and founded the ceramic workshop “Atelier Callis” with the ceramists Robert Picault (1919-2000) and Jean Derval (1925-2010). Located along the Côte d'Azur, the town of Vallauris is known for its production of pottery dating from Roman times. During the post-war period, the city experienced a renaissance of this craft, as many artists (like Picasso) arrived here to work with ancient materials and techniques. Atelier Callis has embarked on the production of small objects for the home. , deliberately modest and designed for everyday use. The popularity wind sweeping French ceramics then gave Roger Capron the opportunity to develop his activity. In 1952, he separated from Robert Picault and Jean Derval and opened his own small factory, Atelier Capron, which employed around fifty workers. A few years later, Roger Capron's notoriety asserted itself internationally and on his pieces on the shelves of department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Gimbels. In 1980, his factory employed around 120 people and specialized in tiled coffee tables, which Roger Capron is famous for today. Its success kept imitators and in 1982 the factory had to close due to the competitiveness of mass and cheap tile producers. Like Picasso, Roger Capron's design aesthetic is constantly evolving, as he works in different styles from the 1950s onwards. Early in his career, Capron was a supporter of the Free Forms movement, characterized by wavy lines. and expressionist motifs. From the 1960s, he evolved into a more controlled modernist, with shiny varnishes and showy geometric patterns. But over time, the work of Roger Capron which ranges from low and side tables to decanters and vases is considered cliché in France and is forgotten. However, today his pieces are once again appreciated by collectors around the world. Roger Capron has received numerous awards during his career including the gold medal at the Milan Triennale and at the Expo '58 in Brussels. In 2000, The New York Times wrote that Capron was “one of the most prolific and important architects of European design.