Carlo Scarpa was born in Venice in 1906 and became one of the leading figures of architecture and international design during the 20th century. At merely 21 years old — and still a student at the Academy of Fine Arts — Scarpa began working as a designer for master Murano glassmaker M.V.M. Cappellin. Within a few years, he completely revolutionized the approach to art glass.
In a short time, under the guidance of Scarpa, the Capellin furnace not only established itself as the top glass company, but above all it introduced modernity and international fame to Murano glassmaking. Scarpa created a personal style of glassmaking, a new vision that irreversibly changed glass production.
The young Scarpa experimented with new models and colors: his chromatic combinations, impeccable execution and geometric shapes became his modus operandi. Thanks to Scarpa’s continuous research on vitreous matter, Cappellin produced a series of high-quality glass objects, that saw the company revisiting ancient processing techniques such as the watermark and Phoenician decoration.
When he encountered the challenge of opaque glass, Scarpa proposed introducing textures of considerable chromatic impact, such as glass pastes and glazed glass with bright colors. Scarpa also collaborated in the renovation of Palazzo da Mula in Murano, the home of Cappellin. At the academy, he obtained the diploma of professor of architectural design and obtained an honorary degree from the Venice University Institute of Architecture of which he was director.
In 1931, Scarpa's collaboration with Cappellin ended, following the bankruptcy of the company because it was not able to withstand the economic crisis linked to the Great Depression. But Scarpa did not go unnoticed by Paolo Venini — in 1933, the young designer became the new artistic director of the biggest glass company in Murano.
Master glassmakers thought Scarpa's projects and sketches were impossible, but the passionate and curious designer always managed to get exactly what he wanted. Until 1947 he remained at the helm of Venini & Co., where he created some of the best known masterpieces of modern glassmaking. Scarpa’s work with Venini was characterized by the continuous research on the subject, the use of color and techniques that he revisited in a very personal way, and the development of new ways of working with master glassmakers.
At the beginning of the 1930s, "bubble", "half filigree" and "submerged" glass appeared for the first time on the occasion of the Venice Biennale of 1934. A few years later, at the Biennale and the VI Triennale of Milan, Venini exhibited its lattimi and murrine romane pieces, which were born from a joint idea between Scarpa and Paolo Venini.
In 1938 Scarpa increased production, diversifying the vases from "objects of use" to sculptural works of art. In the same year he laid the foundation for the famous "woven" glass collection, exhibited the following year. In the subsequent years, Scarpa–Venini continued to exhibit at the Biennale and in various other shows their the "black and red lacquers," the granulari and the incisi, produced in limited series, and the "Chinese," which was inspired by Asian porcelain.
Scarpa's creations for Venini garnered an international response and were a great success, leaving forever an indelible mark on the history of glassmaking. The last Biennale in which Carlo Scarpa participated as artistic director of Venini was in 1942. He left the company five years later.
The time that Scarpa spent in the most important glass factory in Murano would attach a great artistic legacy to the company. His techniques and styles were resumed in the postwar period under the guidance of Tobia Venini, Paolo's son. In the 1950s, after the departure of Scarpa, Fulvio Bianconi was the new visionary at the Biennials with Venini.
On 1stDibs, vintage Carlo Scarpa glass and lighting are for sale, including decorative objects, tables, chandeliers and more.
(Biography provided by Ophir Gallery Inc.)
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' Single Beds in Padouk and Leather
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 'Toledo' single beds, padouk, maple, leather, metal, Italy, 1975 Created by the Italian master Carlo Scarpa, this bed clearly demonstrates his studies...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini '795' Library in Metal and Walnut
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, library or wall unit, model '795', walnut, metal, Italy, design 1935, edition made in 1980s Stunning library designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini. This wal...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Love Seat in Iroko Wood for Simon, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Loveseat in Iroko Wood for Simon, Italy, 1970's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first version was crafted in s...
Fabric, Leather, Hardwood
'Doge' table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Cassina 1980s
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Iconico tavolo modello Doge disegnato da Carlo Scarpa e prodotto da Simon a partire dal 1968. Made with a satin-finished steel frame with brass spacers and a large crystal top, its s...
Crystal, Brass, Steel
$23,031Sale Price|59% Off
Large and Rare Murano Venini Carlo Scarpa 1930 Donut Chandelier Made in Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare and Unique large Murano Glass Chandelier with Lens Glasses created and made by Venini , in excellent overall condition .
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table for Cassina, Lacquered MDF, Aluminum, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Upholstered, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Three Seater Sofa Manufactured by Cassina SCULPTURAL ELEGANCE Geometric austerity encounters enveloping padding in this sofa designed by maestro Carlo Scarpa ...
Metal
Green Venini & C., Murano Sommero a Bollicine Bowl by Carlo Scarpa c.1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Oakland, CA
Venini & C., Murano glass Sommero a Bollicine bowl c.1930s designed by architect Carlo Scarpa (1902-1978). Bubbly overlaid glass colorless and green with bursts of bubbles. A rounded...
Art Glass
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Armchair by Cassina, Upholstered, Mid-Century
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Armchair Manufactured by Cassina SCULPTURAL ELEGANCE A favourable balance between geometric rigour and enveloping shapes designe...
Metal
A signed Venini "Poliedri" chandelier with glass diffusers, Italy, 1950s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A suspended chandelier composed of blown-glass diffusers, model “Poliedri,” design by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1960s. Through his work, Carlo Scarpa was able to create a lang...
Metal
Early Carlo Scarpa Quatour Table for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Milan, IT
Early and Large version Carlo Scarpa Quatour table for the Metamobile series by Simon Gavina, Italy 1974.
Wood, Pine
Tavolo modello gritti di carlo scarpa per simon gavina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Ghedi, IT
Tavolo “Gritti” – Carlo Scarpa per Simon Gavina Progettato nel 1976 dall’architetto veneziano Carlo Scarpa in collaborazione con Simon International (l’etichetta di Dino Gavina dedic...
Leather
$5,452Sale Price|20% Off
"Tessuto Velato", Iconic Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Bochum, NRW
A "tessuto velato" iconic piece by Carlo Scarpa for Venini. Clear glass with green and black or green and white, vertically fused threads.(essuto). Opaque surface matt finish, horiz...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Large Tessuto Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Tessuto Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Item e7111 A rare example of the 'Tessuto' series designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1940. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice. Thin v...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Quatour Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The Quatour Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa is a stunning example of the Italian architect’s mastery of form and material. This version features a matte black oil finish with a subtle b...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' Single Bed in Padouk and Leather
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 'Toledo' single bed, padouk, maple, leather, metal, Italy, 1975 Created by the Italian master Carlo Scarpa, this bed clearly demonstrates his studies ...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Dining Table for Cassina, Lacquered Aluminum
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size. Available sizes: 241x77 240x92 280x92 FASTENERS: Cast satin finish aluminum. FRAME TOP: MDF boards covered with a coat of mirr...
Aluminum
$28,318
Cornaro Sofa by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
"The Cornaro embodies Carlo Scarpa’s intention to unite Japanese minimalism with comfort and the beauty of organic form. Its deep-cushioned seat is embraced by a lacquered wooden fra...
Upholstery, Velvet, Hardwood
Carlo Scarpa Doge Dining Table in Metal with Marble or Glass for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size. Available sizes: 260X102cm 220X110cm 346X102cm 306X102cm Available materials: MARBLE: MARQUINA MARBLE CARRARA MARBLE GLASS: ...
Marble, Metal
$26,322Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Zibaldone bookcases by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic bookcases designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1974. Signed Bernini in brass details. The bookcases have 3 compartments: two accessible thanks to the sliding glass by mea...
Glass, Wood
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Dining Chair in Walnut and Black Leather
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, dining chair, model '765', walnut veneer, leather, designed in 1934, produced in 1977. This well-proportioned chair is designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1934, a...
Leather, Walnut
"Orseolo" Black Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy 70s
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Sacile, PN
Carlo Scarpa "Orseolo" black table for Simon, 1972. Table, polyester varnished with mirror polished finish, made for the assembly of thick, elementary geometric panels with satin-fi...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Dining Table for Cassina, Glass & Metal, Italy, New
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen size. Available sizes: 213 x 133 (octogonal shape) 213 x 163 (oval shape) 220 x 110 (rectangular) 150 x 150 (square) 200 x 200 (square) 200 x 200 ...
Metal
$28,318 / set
Cornaro Armchairs by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
The Cornaro embodies Carlo Scarpa’s intention to unite Japanese minimalism with comfort and the beauty of organic form. Its deep-cushioned seat is embraced by a lacquered wooden fram...
Upholstery, Velvet, Hardwood
Quatour Wooden Table by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1973
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Large Quatour table with wooden structure and veneered wooden top. Original drawing by Carlo Scarpa. Prod. Gavina, Italy, 1974 cm 165x165x72 Further information Bibliography (edite...
Wood
$9,024Sale Price|20% Off
Carlo Scarpa. Art Déco Murano glass vanity mirror for Venini, Italy, 1930s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Déco Murano glass vanity mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy 1930s. Round perimeter of "Torciglione" style handmade Murano glass, with polished bronze links, and a central b...
Bronze
$59,333 / set
Cornaro Sofa and Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
The Cornaro embodies Carlo Scarpa’s intention to unite Japanese minimalism with comfort and the beauty of organic form. Its deep-cushioned seat is embraced by a lacquered wooden fram...
Upholstery, Velvet, Hardwood
Venini Carlo Scarpa Chandelier Poliedri Murano Light Bluend Brass, 1950
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Un iconico lampadario a POLIEDRI, disegnato dal architetto CARLO SCARPA e prodotto dalla vetreria muranese, VENINI, Originale del 1950.
Murano Glass
$10,810Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Poliedri wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini 1958
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large Poliedri wall lamps designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1958 for Venini glassworks. Painted metal frame, blown glass in transparent and smoky tones, in the rare version consisting of ...
Iron
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chair for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" dining chair for Bernini, black leather, Italy, 1934 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production only in 197...
Leather, Wood
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Ceiling Light, Italy circa 1940s
By Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Long Island City, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling light Model 5258 Italy 1940s Handblown glass, steel, aluminum. Exquisite glass making technique. Takes one medium base bulb. Complimentary US rewiring...
Brass, Metal
$24,089 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Aluminum
Valmanara Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon International - Gavina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Carlo Scarpa, “Valmarana” table, 1971-72, in its original bleached Ash version. "Valmarana with its solid and essential design shows Scarpa’s passion for conceiving designs that add...
Wood, Oak
Set of Six Carlo Scarpa 1934/765 Walnut Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of Six Carlo Scarpa 1934/765 Walnut and Brown Leather Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977 765 is planned by Carlo Scarpa in 1934, year from which the chair will take subsequently th...
Leather, Walnut
$2,397Sale Price|20% Off
Grande vaso in vetro di Murano battuto anni 50 design Carlo Scarpa per Venini
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in None, IT
Vaso color ambra, in vetro di Murano martellato con motivo a nido d'ape, disegno attribuito a Carlo Scarpa per Venini, anni '50. CONDITION: In good condition, with a small chip visi...
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Cut Glass and Nickel Rectangular Chandelier, circa 1930
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini highly unique rectangular shaped Art Deco chandelier, circa 1930's. A minimalist nickel-plated structure with a row of eight thick ribbed hand-cut glass eleme...
Nickel
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
Carlo Scarpa Venini Murano Bollicine White Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Sommerso clear white bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass mini vase / vide poche. Documented to the Venini company, and created by master des...
Gold Leaf
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934, Set of 4
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" dining chairs for Bernini, black leather, Italy, 1934, set of four Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to producti...
Leather, Wood
Venini & C., Murano Sommero a Bollicine Bowl by Carlo Scarpa c.1930s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Oakland, CA
Venini & C., Murano glass Sommero a Bollicine bowl c.1930s designed by architect Carlo Scarpa (1902-1978). Bubbly overlaid glass colorless and red with bursts of gold foil. A rou...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
Carlo SCARPA designed Polyhedron Chandelier by VENINI, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Chandelier with green/ clear glass, designed by Carlo Scarpa, Italy. Originally designed for Venini. Polyhedron chandelier with metal frame and polyhedron green and clear glass piec...
Metal
Large Murrine Plate Serpente by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Murrine Plate Serpente by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1940s A large murrine bowl of the Serpente series designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1940. Manufactured by Venini Murano...
Art Glass
$10,528 / item
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by the in...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Walnut and Black Leather Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Sacile, PN
Carlo Scarpa walnut and black leather chairs mod. 1934/765 for Bernini, 1977. 765 is planned by Carlo Scarpa in 1934, year from which the chair will ta...
Leather, Walnut
Carlo Scarpa Bell-Flower Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Barovier, Italy 1940
By Barovier, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning bell-flower shaped table lamp in Murano blown glass and brass. This incredibly elegant and rare table lamp was designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced in Italy by Barovier dur...
Brass
"Forian" Low Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
"Florian" coffee table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon - Gavina. Masterly detailed steel base supporting a large glass top. From the same collection also currently available a Doge extra l...
Steel
"Argo" Oval Dining table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Green marble table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Model: Argo. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Marble
Set of Four "Rialto" Wood Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Milan, IT
Set of four "Rialto" bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina. "In the early 1970s, Carlo Scarpa designed this model for his home. After three years of "enjoyable" discussions, Gavina ...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table for Cassina, Aluminum & MDF, Modern Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by...
Aluminum
Italian Design Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Toledo Double Bed, 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Renens, CH
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Toledo Double Bed, 1970s Double bed designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Simon Gavina in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Leather, Wood
$11,750 / set
"Kentucky" chair by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Misinto, IT
"Kentucky" chair by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1977 The Kentucky chair is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Carlo Scarpa and the Bernini company, and is a perfect ...
Other
Carlo Scarpa Delfi Dining Table in Marble and Glass for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size. Available materials: Marquina or Carrara marble. Also available in 220 x 110cm or 260 x 102cm or 306 x 102cm. The table can also b...
Marble
Carlo Scarpa floor lamp model 2226 produced by Venini, Italy, 1938-39
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A refined and very rare floor lamp designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Venini in Murano around 1938–1939, model no. 2226 from the Catalogo Rosso Venini. The piece exemplifies t...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Treccia Table or Vanity Mirror, Signed, Italy, 1940s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare Murano glass table or vanity mirror designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, executed in the elegant and highly collectible Treccia (braided) glass technique, Ita...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Three-seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa in Original Mohair Velvet for Simon, Italy, 1970's. Rare early production three-seater Cornaro sofa by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, designed in 1973 f...
Velvet, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Rialto Bookcase by Cassina, Ash Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen size of the bookcase. One single element measures 55cm width and 249cm height. Available materials: natural ash, black stained ash, matt lacquered as...
Wood
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Vaso in vetro di Murano battuto vintage anni 50 design Carlo Scarpa per Venini
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in None, IT
Vaso color ambra, in vetro di Murano martellato con motivo a nido d'ape, disegno attribuito a Carlo Scarpa per Venini, anni '50. CONDITION: in buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare ...
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa dining Table beige travertine and Glass Italy 1970
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Paris, IDF
Model "Samo" table oval slab of clear glass on travertine frame designed by Carlo Scarpa made by Simon in Italy around 1970. Particular version made with natural beige travertine, a...
Travertine
Carlo Scarpa & Marcel Breuer Naxos Marble “Delfi” Table for Studio Simon, 1969
By Studio Simon, Carlo Scarpa, Marcel Breuer
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Delfi” dining table, designed by Carlo Scarpa and Marcel Breuer and produced by the Italian manufacturer Studio Simon in 1969. Made of white Nax...
Marble
Kentucky Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980s
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Kentucky chairs designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1970s. Each featuring a cylindrical walnut wood frame, brown leather seat and back, and burnished brass ferrules on the...
Leather, Walnut
Italian Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, circa 1950s. Marked
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
A sculptural hand blow Murano glass mirror by Venini, Italy, circa 1950s. Marked Distinguished by its softly rounded, organic silhouette, the mirror is framed in thick, hand-worked g...
Glass, Mirror