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.)
Rare Pair of Model "5777" Reticello Wall Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 30s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of Murano glass wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini during the 1930s, documented in the Venini Luce catalogue as mo...
Brass
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
VENINI Cinesi Vase Red Murano Glass by Carlo Scarpa, Signed 2013, Made in Italy
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Cinesi vase, model 513.02, produced in 2013 and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. Part of Venini’s historic Cinesi collection, this vase reflects the eleg...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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 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 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
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
Poliedri Chandelier Carlo Scarpa 1950 Venini Murano Glass Celeste and Yellow
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Chandelier By Venini Carlo Scarpa 1950 Poliedri
Metal
Large dining table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Large dining or conference table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970s. The table features a long rectangular top upholstered in beige leather, resting on a refined...
Metal
Large unique mid-century Murano chandelier Poliedri by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful, unique and original Murano chandelier designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. With soft yellow, ligt blue and transparent slightly iridescent ...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Dining Chair in Walnut and Black Leather
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
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
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
Early Carlo Scarpa Quatour Table for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Early and Large version Carlo Scarpa Quatour table for the Metamobile series by Simon Gavina, Italy 1974.
Wood, Pine
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 Orseolo Dining Table for Cassina, Lacquered Aluminum
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
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
$18,240 / 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
Rare Carlo Scarpa Champagne Set for Venini Reticello & Gold Leaf, 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare champagne service designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini during his earliest and most experimental years on Murano, dating to the late 1930s and early 1940s. The ...
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Doge Dining Table in Metal with Marble or Glass for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
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
$26,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Zibaldone Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of 'Scuderia' Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Italy, 1974 Iconic pair of bookcases designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1974, showcasing the architect's refined approac...
Glass, Wood
$5,837Sale Price|20% Off
"Orseolo" Black Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy 70s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
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
$10,837Sale 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 Poliedri Ceiling Lamp for Venini in Yellow and Grey, Italy 1950s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Carlo Scarpa Murano Glass Poliedri ceiling lamp for Venini in yellow and Grey, Italy 1950s.
Metal
$16,663 / item
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table For Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table For Cassina A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademark of the new ultrarational ...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table for Cassina, Aluminum Base, Mid-Century Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table For Cassina A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademark of the new ultrarational ...
Aluminum
$10,837Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Poliedri wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini 1961
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large Poliedri wall lamps designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1961 for Venini glassworks. Painted metal frame, transparent blown glass, in the rare version consisting of 48 polyhedra, excel...
Iron
A signed Venini "Poliedri" chandelier with glass diffusers, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
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
Carlo Scarpa & Hiroyuki Toyoda for Simon Gavina Large 'Gritti' Table 410cm
By Simon Gavina Editions, Hiroyuki Toyoda, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa and Hiroyuki Toyoda for Simon Gavina, 'Gritti' dining or conference table, reupholstered leather, chromed steel, brass, Italy, design 1973 The Gritti table was original...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Rare Venini 1930 Carlo Scarpa Brass Diamond Glass Applique
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
rare and elegant Murano Glass wall sconce with Diamante pattern glass and Brass parts probably created by Carlo Scarpa for Venini.
Brass
20th Century, Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Glass Vase from the Corrosi Series
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Carlo Scarpa (1906- 1978) was an Italian architect and designer heavily influenced by the history of Venetian culture, materials and landscape. in 1926 obtained his diploma of Profes...
Glass, Murano Glass
Beautiful light green mouth-blown Murano vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Italy
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in München, BY
Beautiful 1960s light green hand-blown Murano glass vase by Carlo Scarpa. Manufacturer: Venini. Made in Italy. The bottom is engraved with "Venini Murano Italia". Very beautiful, hi...
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
Carlo Scarpa Delfi Dining Table in Marble and Glass for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
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 Dining or Console Table Italian Mid Century Modern Limed Oak 98"L
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Architectural Table, designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, circa 1970s. It is called the Valmarana model. It is believed to be constructed of limed oak or ash...
Oak
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro set - sofa 300 and pair of armchairs, chenille velvet, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Set composed by Cornaro 300 sofa and pair of Cornaro 140 armchairs designed by Carlo Scarpa. Solid hardwood structure (iroko). Polyurethane padding. Recently upholstered with origi...
Velvet, Wood
$8,002Sale Price / set|20% Off
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Italian Wood Leather "Kentucky" Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design dining chirs “Kentucky” model designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Bernini from 1977. Natural walnut wood structure, leather seat and back, manu...
Leather, Walnut
Vetro Sommerso Bowl by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1930s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vetro Sommerso Bowl by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1930s A vetro sommerso bollicine bowl designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1936. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice in the 1930s....
Art Glass
Valmanara Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon International - Gavina
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions, Gavina
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
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
$21,436Sale Price|20% 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 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934, Set of 2
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" dining chairs for Bernini, black leather, Italy, 1934, set of 2 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production ...
Leather, Wood
$3,700 / item
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1958-1960 A rare and historically significant wall sconce by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, the Poliedri modules - individual hand-bl...
Steel
Set of Four "Rialto" Wood Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
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
1950s Drum Venini pale green blue and clear poliedri chandelier by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
A vintage large drum cylindrical shaped Poliedri chandelier. Pale green, blue and clear color Poliedri glass components on one silver lacquered metal structure designed by Carlo Sc...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa Dining Table for Bernini, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Carlo Scarpa Dining Table for Bernini, Italy, 70s This table is designed by Carlo Scarpa, a renowned Italian architect and designer. The table features a minimalist and elegant desi...
Wood
Italian ‘Valmarana’ Ebonized Wood Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa, 1971
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
The rare ‘Valmarana’ dining table is a monumental work by Carlo Scarpa, designed in 1971 for Simon International—the brand co-founded by Dino Gavina after his departure from Gavina S...
Wood
Rare Carlo Scarpa Mexana 194 Table for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Rare “Mexana 194” table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina in 1973, an exceptional example of Italian architectural design from the 1970s. The table features a strong rectangu...
Velvet, Wood
Carlo Scarpa floor lamp model 2226 produced by Venini, Italy, 1938-39
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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 'Cornaro' Love Seat in Iroko Wood for Simon, Italy, 1970's
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
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
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
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 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
Model 795 Bookcase by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
More than just a bookcase but rather a small architectural masterpiece that is the focal point of any space, the Model 795 bookshelf (sometimes called the “Serie 1935” or “Liberia 19...
Metal
$10,544 / 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
Rare Pair of Carlo Scarpa Model 228 Venini Murano Glass Sconces, 1931–1935
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare pair of Model 228 wall sconces, produced by Venini between 1931 and 1935 and documented in the Venini archive. Although this specific model appears as No. 228 i...
Metal, Brass
Carlo Scarpa & Marcel Breuer Naxos Marble “Delfi” Table for Studio Simon, 1969
By Marcel Breuer, Carlo Scarpa, Studio Simon
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
Quatour Wooden Table by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1973
By Tobia Scarpa, Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
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
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 Orseolo Table for Cassina, Aluminum & Lacquer, 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" Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" 2 seat Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first versio...
Fabric, Wood