Artist Highlight: Jean Roger
After establishing his first studio in 1947, Roger set out to create pieces belying the heaviness associated with works of clay. It is this idea of making the heavy seem light that led to his cabbage tableware, tulip and flame candle holders, lamps, vases, and decorative objects in the shape of palm trees and pineapples.
Jean Roger’s aesthetic lives on in the hand-crafted ceramics of his grandson Francois who creates pieces with a playful nod to history. Located in the heart of Paris since 1971, this studio has had three generations of ceramists at the wheel.
![I'm always looking for new ways to challenge myself and the material. I want to push myself while working with the traditional values of Jean Roger. [Taking] inspirations from nature, exoticism, with a nod to the 1950s — but not too much.](http://casabranca.com/cdn/shop/files/2d5253e8-11fd-4134-8b5e-4fa255236c9e.png?v=1710194303)
I'm always looking for new ways to challenge myself and the material. I want to push myself while working with the traditional values of Jean Roger. [Taking] inspirations from nature, exoticism, with a nod to the 1950s — but not too much.
Inspired by ancient Chinese sculptures, Roger created the famous green frog.
Jean's son, Jean-Jacques, added to the studio’s reputation for innovation by creating the first sample of a “trompe l’oeil” varnish on ceramics. He became a specialist in replicating the patterns and colors of fabrics onto clay and the workshop thrived.
Jean-Jacques’s son, François, took the lead in 2007. After years of training with a master turner and sculptor as well as tutelage from his father, Francois has continued the studio’s success with inspiration from both his father and grandfather contributing to his innovative style.
In addition to new pieces, Casa Branca also carries a selection of antique Jean Roger pieces. Shop the selection in store at our Palm Beach showroom or online at casabranca.com.
