Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Italian
Widely recognized as superstars of postmodern Italian design, husband-and-wife team Afra and Tobia Scarpa (1937–2011; b. 1935) collaboratively created chairs, sofas and other furniture that work equally well in both traditional and cutting-edge environments.
Ranging from architecture and interior design to furniture and clothing, the Scarpas’ practice from its beginnings in the mid-1950s to the 21st century has included a diverse scope of projects combining new technology with thoughtful function and sculptural yet simple forms.
Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa met as architecture students at the Università Iuav di Venezia. In a class led by architect and furniture designer Franco Albini, they created their first collaborative piece, the Pigreco armchair, later produced with Gavina. After graduating in 1957, Tobia worked for Murano glass company Venini & Co. before the couple opened a studio in Afra’s hometown, Montebelluna, in 1960. (Tobia, the son of famed glass artist and architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in Venice.)
For Afra and Tobia, a close collaborative process was pivotal to the success of their designs. The duo was also prolific — they designed for the most influential European manufacturers, including B&B Italia, Cassina, Knoll and FLOS. With respect to the latter, Afra and Tobia were among the legendary Italian lighting maker’s earliest collaborators, and their pioneering designs for the brand included the Papillon lamp, one of the first fixtures to use halogen technology. Their most recognized designs include the Bastiano sofa (1962), the Vanessa bed (1959), the Coronado sofa (1966) and the Soriana seating collection (1970). Work on the Soriana sofa began in late 1969 for an early 1970 debut, and it feels as radical today as it did in its heyday.
Architecture was also a central part of Afra and Tobia’s practice, which spanned residential buildings and factories for Italian companies such as Benetton. Their commissions for the global fashion brand included numerous industrial projects, from textile plants to storefronts. By 1985, Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work was celebrated in a 30-year retrospective at Center Four in Queens, New York. Looking around the 30,000-square-foot exhibition space, Afra joked to the New York Times, “Seeing all those things makes us feel very tired, and now we feel that maybe we worked too much.”
It was not too much for their legacy, as Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work continues to inspire new generations. Scarpa designs are in collections at the Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The couple was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1970 for the Soriana armchair.
Find vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa lounge chairs, dining chairs, floor lamps and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Dealer: MORENTZ
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Ciprea' Lounge Chair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Ciprea' easy chair, fabric, Italy, 1968
This design is made possible by the creative and innovative thinking of the Italian designer duo Afra & To...
Category
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Bastiano' Lounge Chair in Walnut
By Simon Gavina Editions, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 'Bastiano' lounge chair, leather, walnut, Italy, 1962
This iconic armchair part of the Bastiano line, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Simon...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Set of Eight 'Dialogo' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, set of eight ‘Dialogo’ dining chairs, black lacquered wood, fiberglass, Italy, 1970s
The ‘Dialogo’ dining chair was designed by Afra and Tobia...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Sofa in Walnut and Brown Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, three-seat sofa, model '920', brown leather, walnut, Italy, 1966.
This high quality sofa is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1966. Th...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Set of Six '121' Dining Chairs in Red Brown Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, set of six dining chairs model ‘121’, walnut, cognac leather, Italy, design 1965
Set of six dining chairs by the Italian designer couple Tobia and A...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Molteni Set of Six 'Monk' Chairs in Leather
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of six 'Monk' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1974.
Set of six 'Monk' chairs by Italian designers Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The cognac leather...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974
The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974
The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974
The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni ‘Morna’ Bed with Nightstands
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Molteni & C
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, bed with nightstands model ‘Morna’, leather, opaline glass, wood, plastic, Italy, designed in 1972
This rare bed named ‘Morna’ reflects the duo’s s...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Afra Scarpa & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, sideboard, model 'Artona', walnut, leather, Italy, 1975/1979
Gorgeous sideboard made in walnut and leather and designed by duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus 'Torcello' Coffee Table in Walnut
By Stildomus, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus, 'Torcello' coffee table, walnut, Italy, 1965
The 'Torcello' model is a rare find and is produced by the Italian company Stildomus, a furniture com...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Large Dining Table
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, large oval dining table model ‘Artona’, walnut, walnut burl, ebony, brass, Italy, 1975/1979
Intriguing table designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. On t...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Set of Four 'Monk' Dining Chairs in Red Leather and Ash
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of four 'Monk' dining chairs, ash, leather, Italy, 1974.
The wonderfully red leather forms a striking combination with the blond wood. Interesti...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Set of Dining Table with Set of Six Dialogo Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia set of six Dialogo chairs with an Artona dining table produced by Maxalto.
Afr...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Side Table in Ash
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' side table, ash, Italy, 1975
The famous furniture line ‘Artona’ that Afra and Tobia Scarpa designed for Maxalto in 1975 also features this ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Pair of 'Coronado' Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, pair of 'Coronado' lounge chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1966
The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B talia. The s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Lounge Chair in Corduroy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, pair of 'Soriana' lounge chair, model '944', corduroy, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969
Iconic lounge chair by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Molteni Set of Four 'Monk' Chairs in Black Leather
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of four 'Monk' dining chairs, walnut, black leather, Italy, 1974.
Set of four 'Monk' chairs by Italian designers Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The black ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Chair in Leather and Steel
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, chair, brass, leather, steel, Italy, 1985.
This chair is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. This...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Set of Eight 'Monk' Dining Chairs in Leather and Ash
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of eight 'Monk' dining chairs, ash, black lacquered wood and cognac leather, Italy, 1974.
Set of eight 'Monk' chairs with a striking combination...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Coronado' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Coronado' lounge chair, cognac leather, Italy, 1966
The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B |talia. The seat has ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'New Harmony' Set of Six Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'New Harmony' set of six dining chairs, walnut, fabric, leather, Italy, circa 1983
The 'New Harmony' collection designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa is d...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Polygonon' Dining Table & Mario Bellini Dining Chairs
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, dining table 'Polygonon', glass, electro-coated stainless steel, Italy, 1984
Behold this astonishing table with an aesthetically pleasing layout ...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Pair of 'Artona' Lounge Chairs in Ash
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, pair of 'Artona' lounge chairs, ash, checkered fabric, Italy, 1975/1979
Pair of cubic ‘Artona’ lounge chairs by Italian designer couple Afra and Tob...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Pair of 'Ciprea' Lounge Chairs
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, pair of 'Ciprea' easy chairs, fabric, Italy, 1968
This design is made possible by the creative and innovative thinking of the Italian designer duo ...
Category
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Stool in Leather and Steel
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, folding stool or ottoman, leather, steel, Italy, 1985.
This rare stool is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Thick cognac leather in patinated condition is spanned between the steel frame comprised of tubular rods, which enrich the look in a vigorous manner. Functionality comes into play through the various functions this item embraces: you can simultaneously use it as an ottoman for your easy chair or as a stool to sit on. Overall, pure forms and fine materials combine into a modern and clean design.
Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa are a duo of Italian architects and designers mostly known for their postmodern style. Afra Bianchin was born in 1937 in Montebelluna while Tobia Scarpa, son of the architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in 1935 in Venice. The couple met when they were both studying at the Venice Institute of Architecture and married afterwards. From 1957 until 1961, Tobia worked as a glass designer at the Murano glassworks of Venini. However, in 1960, the duo started to collaborate, and they set up one of the most successful and well-known professional studios. Together, they worked for companies such as Flos Gavina, B&B Italia, and Knoll. The couple won numerous amounts of awards like the Compasso d’Oro and the International Forum Design. Throughout their career, the duo carried out commissions for well-known companies, including Benetton. Overall, their designs are known for their modernist aesthetic, prioritizing elegance and comfort. However, at the same time, their pieces are admired for the ease with which they lean towards classical designs. Moreover, the creations show their deep understanding for materials. Today, many of their works can be found in major museums such as Museum of Modern Art of New York...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Side Table in Ash
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' side table, ash, Italy, 1975
The famous furniture line ‘Artona’ that Afra and Tobia Scarpa designed for Maxalto in 1975 also features this ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Meritalia Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Meritalia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Meritalia, 'Gitana' lounge chair and ottoman, fabric, metal, Italy, 1993
Lovely cloud-like lounge chair and ottoman designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa fo...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Large Dining Table in Walnut
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' dining table, walnut, walnut burl, lacquered wood, brass, ebony, Italy, 1975/1979
This table was designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa within th...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Settee in Brown Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, two-seat sofa brown leather, walnut, Italy, 1966.
This high quality settee is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1966. The design is bu...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Rare 'Polygonon' Dining Table
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, dining table 'Polygonon', glass, electro-coated stainless steel, Italy, 1984
Behold this astonishing table with an aesthetically pleasing layou...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Pair of 'Soriana' Lounge Chairs in Corduroy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, pair of 'Soriana' lounge chairs, model '944', corduroy, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969
Iconic lounge chairs by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobi...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Set of Six 'Dialogo' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, set of six ‘Dialogo’ dining chairs, black lacquered wood, fiberglass, Italy, 1970s
The ‘Dialogo’ dining c...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Dimensione Fuoco Fireplace Set
By Dimensione Fuoco, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Dimensione Fuoco, fireplace set, iron, wood, Italy, 1970s
This fireplace set is designed by the Italian duo Afra & Tobia Scarpa. This set consists out of se...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Iron
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Sofa in Elm and Checked Fabric
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sofa, elm, checkered fabric, Italy, 1975.
Cubic ‘Artona’ sofa by Italian designer couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa. This sofa shows absolute st...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Elm
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus 'Torcello' Sideboard in Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Stildomus
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus, 'Torcello' sideboard, walnut, aluminum, Italy, 1964.
The 'Torcello' model is a rare find and is produced by the Italian company Stildomus, a furni...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Afra & Tobia Scarpa furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Afra & Tobia Scarpa furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Afra & Tobia Scarpa furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 599 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Afra & Tobia Scarpa were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Mario Bellini, Gio Ponti, and Vico Magistretti. Prices for Afra & Tobia Scarpa furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $373 and can go as high as $109,295, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,728.
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