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.
Nictea Pendant by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Berlin, DE
The Nictea pendant is composed of two rounded sections, seamlessly connected by carefully integrated metal components that are central to its design. Light gently passes through the ...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of ‘Butterfly’ Sconces by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of "Butterfly" Sconces by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, circa 1980s A discontinued and increasingly sought-after sconce, this fan-form wall light by Afra and Tobia Sca...
Metal
Vintage Space Age Papillona Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Flos after a design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa from the 70s. This design convinces with its imposing height of almost 2m. The filigree ...
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa “Foglio” wall lights, 1970s Italy
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Den Haag, NL
The Foglio wall lamp, designed by the renowned Italian duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966, is a timeless icon of minimalist elegance and functional design. Produced by Flos, the lamp ...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos Fantasma Piccolo Mid Century Floor Lamp
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos Fantasma Piccolo Mid Century Floor Lamp This lamp measures: 18.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 72.5 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Lamp is in good shape ove...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Tamburo Indoor / Outdoor Wall Lamp for Flos 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Milan, IT
Tobia Scarpa Tamburo Green Indoor / Outdoor Wall Lamp for Flos 1970s Old New Stock. Excellent condition.
Metal
Abatina table lamp designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1980s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Milano, IT
Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, the ‘Abatina’ table lamp is a true celebration of the elegance and excellence that defined Italian design in the 1980s. This sophisticat...
Metal
Fantasma Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1961
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ‘Fantasma’ floor lamp (translating to ghost in Italian) is a modern and minimalist lighting fixture designed by Italian architect Tobia Scarpa. It was first introduced in 1961 as...
Metal
$667Sale Price|20% Off
Afra Papillona and Tobia shoe seedling lamp for FLOS
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Catania, IT
Flos rod lamp Papillona model, design by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 80s, with black lacquered steel rod. The lamp is of the first model released, with switch and foot slider to adjust the light intensity and mounts its original 300w halogen lamp, but it can also mount the new low power led lamps. The lamp is working and in excellent condition, with original lacquer intact and with a clearly visible mark in the lampshade, the diffuser glasses have been replaced. From their first meeting at the IUAV in Venice until the transfer to the Venetian countryside, her place of origin, the son of Carlo Scarpa, Tobia appunto (class 1935) and Afra Bianchin (class 1937) first shared a degree - it was 1957 and the two officially became architects - then a marriage and a career that marked their lives and those of Italian drawing at the turn After the laurel wreath, after Tobia was in service for the Venini glassworks in Murano (but only for a few months), it seems that it was Franco Albini who sparked between the two. Not that Franco Albini did anything firsthand. But while he was in the chair giving his decoration course, the two young artists fell in love with those same desks in the service of design. So the Pigreco for Gavina - first project together, first chair together - came into the world just like a daughter: the result of a flame of love...
Metal
White Foglio Sconce by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall lamp in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Pair of Papillona Floor Lamps by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1977
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Papillona Floor lamps realized for Flos in 1977. Very good condition. Ref. Domus n. 648, Marzo 1984, p. 44; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950-2000 per l'arre...
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Pair of brass chandeliers
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Pair of brass chandeliers. Produced by Flos in 1961.
Brass
TAMBURO Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia SCARPA, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The floor lamp, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Italy, FLOS, 1973. The TAMBURO floor light designed for inside and outside spaces. Cast aluminium, light- and medium green coloured ...
Aluminum
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Set of Two "Bilobo" Pendant Lamps by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Milan, IT
Rare set of two "Bilobo" Pendant lamps by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Pendant lamps, giving diffused light, fitted with metalized glass diffuser. Anodized aluminium support with a sprin...
Aluminum
A pair of 1960s brass "Fior di Loto" ceiling lights by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in London, GB
A pair of 1960s "Fior di Loto" brass ceiling lights by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Designed in 1962 and produced by Italian lighting company Flos, The polished brass space age shaped ligh...
Brass
Mid-Centy Space Age Jucker Table Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hamburg, DE
Small space age table lamp from the Italian manufacturer Flos after a design by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from the 1960s. A playful but very functional design. The lamp consists of the ...
Metal
Tamburo Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Tamburo lamp, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1973, is a timeless expression of Italian design innovation. Compact yet powerful in character, this lamp reflects th...
Metal
Italian modern Abate floor lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Ibis, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Ibis
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Abate floor lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Ibis, 1970s. Abate model floor lamp, consisting of a hemispherical base in gray marble from which the central black metal s...
Marble, Steel
$1,549Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s chandelier model "Nictea" design Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in None, IT
Nickel-plated brass chandelier and pressed glass in the lower part, The glass part and the holes in the central part of the structure act as a diffuser. Nictea model, design Afra and...
Brass
Butterfly Floor Lamp by. Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
Butterfly' floor lamp produced by Flos and designed by the iconic husband and wife duo, featuring fan-like shades that enable the user to create a range of light outputs. Originally ...
Metal
Abatina Table Lamp By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Flos
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vienna, AT
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, table lamp, model 'Abatina 1160', Italy, 1980s, Lamp with a steel frame, with two paper lampshades with a light fabric cover and contrasting edges, eq...
Brass, Steel
Flos 'Capricorn' Lamp Design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage floor lamp made of white lacquered metal whose light intensity can be adjusted by opening or closing the frame. The maker's mark is present.
Metal
$621Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Design White Metal Table Lamp by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful table or desk lamp designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1960s. One internal bulb. Adjustable table lamps in white metal. Original label present. Jucker 147 mo...
Metal
'Nictea' Pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
'Nictea' Pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1961 The Nictea lamp was created in 1961 and is famous for its unique and elegant design. It features a delicate, sculptura...
Brass, Steel
Rare Golden Metal 1961 Nictea Pendant by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Golden metal and optical glass Nictea pendant by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Very good condition, few light defects on brass shade as showed in pictures. Surface has been partially...
Brass
Afra e Tobia Scarpa Italian Midcentury Pendant Lamp Bilobo Glass for Flos 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design pendant lamp “Bilobo” model designed by Afra e Tobia Scarpa and produced by Flos from 1960s with diffused light diffuser made of thick Murano bubble ...
Metal
Marble Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1968
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
lamp completely in marble. Stamped flos on the inside. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Marble
Pair of Quarto Wall Lamps Designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, Italy 70s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lucija, SI
Pair of mid century Quarto wall lamps designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa and produce by Flos Perfect condition
Metal
Tamburo Light by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1970s - 2 Available
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Tamburo Light by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1970s - 2 Available
Metal
Tamburo Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Tamburo lamp, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1973, is a timeless expression of Italian design innovation. Compact yet powerful in character, this lamp reflect...
Metal
Nigritella Pendant Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, circa 1965
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Vienna, AT
Nigritella pendant lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy Fixture produced in the 1960s by Flos by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. White painted metal shade with and oplal glass scree...
Opaline Glass
White Nictea Pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Rotterdam, NL
White Nictea pendant designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Italian Lighting manufacturer Flos in 1963. The pendant consists of two parts that are connected by round metal pieces tha...
Aluminum
Rare Modernist Floor Lamp model "Abate" by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Ibis, Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Ibis
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This beautiful floor lamp features a black varnished metal and steel frame, a shiny grey marble base and a plastic coated fabric lampshade, which have ...
Marble, Metal, Steel
Set of 2 rare OTI Sconces by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 2 sets avalaible
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
White China screen. Anodized metal reflector. Labeled flos. 1 x E14 each 100 watts max. Both in excellent condition. To be on the safe side, the l...
Aluminum, Brass
$3,840Sale Price|23% Off
Italian Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian floor lamp design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for the Benetton stores in Italy. Italian architect and designers who worked together on the variety of different project .they were...
Metal
Nigritella Pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Rotterdam, NL
White Nigritella pendant designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Italian Lighting manufacturer Flos in 1961. This Nigritella pendant consists of a metal cap with in the middle a row...
Metal
Vintage Nictea pendant light by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant pendant light designed by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Flos in the 1961. Nickeled brass. Original vintage conditions with trace of age and use. Some slight scratches. Glass lens w...
Brass, Nickel
Nickel-Plated Nictea Pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Nickel-plated Nictea pendant designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Italian Lighting manufacturer Flos in 1963. In a Flos catalogue from the 1970s we found this description: "Pendant...
Nickel
'Biagio' Table Lamp by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Table Lamp by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos c.1970's Italy. The lamp features a sculpted white Carrara marble body with a curved stone shade and arched base. The light source is ins...
Carrara Marble
Pierrot table lamp, limited edition 179/999 — Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Weesp, NL
Pierrot Table Lamp, Limited Edition 179/999 — Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1991 A rare and highly collectible Pierrot table lamp, designed in 1991 by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy. This example is numbered 179 of only 999 produced and signed, confirming its status as a limited-edition design object of significant historical and collectible value. The Pierrot lamp...
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Flos" " NICTEA" Chandelier Brass Glass 1960 Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Chandelier
Brass
Italian Marble Table Lamp, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Very beautiful marble lamp. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Marble
"Abatina" Afra & Tobia Scarpa by Flos Italian Design, 1980s Table Lamp
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
"Abatina" Afra & Tobia Scarpa by Flos Italian Design, 1980s Table Lamp
Iron
"Sfera" by Tobia Scarpa for Flos Italian Design 1960s Ceiling Lamp
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brescia, IT
"Sfera" by Tobia Scarpa Flos, 1966 Glass shade, aluminum details Perfect working order. Perfect condition.
Aluminum
Sconce model "Butterfly" by Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sconce model "Butterfly" Italy, 1980s Manufactured by Flos Iron, Metal, Fabric, Glass Measurements 47 x 20 x 53h cm 18,5 x 7,9 x 20,9h in Details Manufacturer’s stamp Literature...
Metal, Iron
Italian Modern White Metal Table Lamp by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, 70s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Lucija, SI
Italian modern table or desk lamp designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos, in Italy in the 70s. One internal bulb. Adjustable table lamps in white metal. Jucker 147 model. An ic...
Metal
Bilobo Tobia Scarpa for Flos Italian Design 1960 Glass Ceiling Lamp
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Brescia, IT
Bilobo glass pendant designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Flos in the 1960s. The oval anodized aluminium base has two retractable attachment points, which can, almo...
Aluminum
White metal sconce, applique Foglio by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Flos 60s, 70s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
FLOS - Foglio, a historic piece from the Flos catalog designed by Tobia Scarpa, is a wall lamp with direct/indirect and partially diffused light with a steel structure. Born in Venic...
Metal
"SATURNINA" flor lamp by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Fabbian, Italy '90
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, F. Fabbian
Located in Sacile, PN
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Saturnina" floor lamp. Italy 1990 This lamp comes from the House of Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Trevignano (Treviso) as you can see in the pictures.
Metal
Nickel Fior di Loto pendant by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Nickel Fior di Loto pendant designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Italian Lighting manufacturer Flos in 1963. In an original Flos catalogue we found this description: "Pendant lamp,...
Nickel
Pair of Fior di Loto Hanging Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of brass pendants designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Flos in the 1960s. Fior di Loto model. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age For shipping, request us for ...
Brass
"Sfera" Lamp - Bollicine Glass - Afra & Tobia Scarpa - Flos - Italy 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Tags: #Bilobo #AfraTobiaScarpa #Flos #LampSuspension #GlassBollicine #MidCentury #ItalianDesign #LampVintage #Lighting #ItalianLamp #DesignIcon "Sfera" designer hanging lamp, design...
Aluminum
Afra e Tobia Scarpa Italian Midcentury Bilobo Glass Pendant Lamps for Flos 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design set of two pendant lamps “Bilobo” model designed by Afra e Tobia Scarpa and produced by Flos from 1960s with diffused light diffuser made of thick Mu...
Metal
"Bilobo" Suspension Lamp in Bollicine Glass - Afra & Tobia Scarpa - Flos - 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Tags: #Bilobo #AfraTobiaScarpa #Flos #LampSuspension #GlassBollicine #MidCentury #ItalianDesign #LampVintage #Lighting #ItalianLamp #DesignIcon "Bilobo" designer hanging lamp, desig...
Murano Glass
Flos, vintage set of two Quarto sconces by Afra e Tobia Scarpa. Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Catania, CT
Fair vintage condition with normal trace of age and use but a slight deformation on the upper part of the clear polycarbonate frame. No chips or cracks. Full working with EU standard...
Metal
TAMBURO Small Floor/ Table Lamp by Afra & Tobia SCARPA, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Small Floor/ Table lamp designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Italy, FLOS, 1973. The TAMBURO light designed for inside and outside spaces. Cast aluminium, light- and medium green coloure...
Aluminum
Pair of Jucker table lamps by Tobia Scarpa, Flos, 1970
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Jucker table lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos is an elegant expression of modern design. Featuring clean lines and a refined silhouette, this lamp offers delicate and sophisticated ...
Metal
Perpetua table lamp by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Perpetua table lamp designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1981 and manufactured by Flos. This halogen lamp consists of a black aluminum stem, a round metal shade and a white plastic ...
Aluminum, Steel
Lampada 'Fior di Loto' di Afra & Tobia Scarpa per Flos anni 60-70
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Lampada a soffitto vintage disegnata nel 1963 dai coniugi Scarpa realizzata in ottone nichelato.
Brass