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.
$14,304Sale Price|20% Off
Cassina Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Afra; Tobia; Scarpa; Cassina; Soriana; Settee; Couch; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Soriana sofa in original upholstery, designed by Afra &...
Wool
$12,680Sale Price|32% Off
Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Two-Seater; Cassina; Bouclé Wool; Italy; Italian Design; 1970s; Mid-Century Modern; This Soriana two-seater sofa, reupholstered in bouclé ...
Chrome
$12,680Sale Price|32% Off
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Cassina; 1970s; Italian Design; Italy; Two Seater; Post-Modern; Green; Fabric; Mohair; This Soriana two-seater ...
Chrome
Cassina 'Soriana' Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, soriana, Cassina, Italy 1970s, bouclé wool Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a w...
Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Leather Lounge Suite For Cassina, circa 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Englewood, NJ
Very Cool and Comfortable Italian Mid Century Modern leather upholstered "Soriana" suite by, Tobia & Afra Scarpa designed for Cassina. The suite is made up of one settee, two lounge ...
Leather
$8,250
H 25.6 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Easy Chair for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Easy Chair for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, Italy, 1969 Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and A...
Velvet
$13,000
H 25.6 in W 68.9 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” two-seater sofa for Cassina, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. The most notable feature of this couch, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Bouclé
$16,500 / set
H 25.6 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Chairs for Cassina, Burgundy, 1969, Set of 2
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Lounge Chairs for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, Italy, 1969, Set of two. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo...
Velvet
$19,200
H 25.6 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. Its most notable feature, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Bouclé
$25,000 / set
H 25.6 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and Two lounge chairs, Ivory Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed...
Bouclé, Plastic
$12,000
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1969 Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is...
Stainless Steel
$27,000
H 29.5 in W 97 in D 40 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Three Seat Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1969 The revolutionary and unique 'Soriana' three-seat sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in...
Chrome
1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy. In a gorgeous burnt orange leather upholstery with a beautiful age commensurate patina throughout. As comfort...
Steel
$12,800
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the...
Leather, Plastic
$7,536
H 25.6 in W 70.87 in D 41.34 in
Italian modern beige chamois sofa Soriana by Afra Tobia Scarpa Cassina 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern beige chamois sofa Soriana by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s Two-seater sofa Soriana with seat and backrest, padded and upholstered in beige chamois. The cou...
Steel
$12,292Sale Price|25% Off
H 26.38 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Leather Two-Seater Soriana Sofa for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana two-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. It features its original brown leather upholstery. Winner of t...
Chrome
$19,000
H 25.6 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Velvet
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa in Chocolate Brown Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
'Soriana' sofa, leather and metal, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1969. Iconic sofa by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa, the Soriana proposes a model that ...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
'Soriana' lounge chair and ottoman, in fabric and metal, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1969. Iconic sofa by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa, the Soriana ...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
'Soriana' lounge chair and ottoman, in fabric and metal, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1969. Iconic sofa by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa, the So...
Metal
Coronado Settee by Tobia & Afra Scarpa B & B Italia
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Nashville, TN
Coronado Loveseat Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B &B Italia. Full leather. Great vintage condition. Minor wear. Soft Italian leather, c late 1960s
Leather
Sold
H 25 in W 66 in D 39 in
1970s Soriana Settee by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina with Pierre Frey Wool
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Soriana settee designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1969. This iconic sofa has been beautifully upholstered in a luxurious sabre print wool/alpaca/mohair blend by...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 57.09 in D 35.44 in
2-seater fabric sofa model Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Manzano, IT
2-seater fabric sofa model Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia 1970s Like new. Stile Vintage Periodo del design 1970 - 1979 Production period 1970 - 1979 Year of production 1970s...
Fabric
Sold
H 26 in W 66 in D 40 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Soriana Italian Black Leather Settee or Sofa
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid-Century Modern timeless and iconic "Soriana" two -seats black leather settee designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for the Italian luxury house...
Chrome
Sold
H 25.75 in W 117 in D 31 in
Early Production #920 Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, c 1966, Signed
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early production Model #920 modular four-seat sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina was designed in circa 1966 and this example is from the earlier years of production as evidenced by the early style 'Figli di Amedeo Cassina' labels on each section (see photos). Featuring soft supple black leather cushions which extend to the arms and backside along with nicely grained Walnut accents to the frame, this sofa is in two parts and can either be used together as one long four-seat sofa or separated as two loveseat...
Leather, Walnut
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Bastiano Two Seater Sofa, Gavina, Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in London, GB
The Bastiano series by Afra and Tobia Scarpa is one of the highly influential Italian design duo’s earliest furniture productions. The intention of the design was to provide “seating...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 96.46 in D 39.38 in
Cassina Soriana Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in green Peter Dunham
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Soriana, Cassina, Italy 1970s, reupholstered in Peter Dunham Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was ...
Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Settee for Cassina, circa 1975
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana settee for Cassina, circa 1975.
Steel
Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Soriana three-seat couch Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bu...
Chrome