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.
Leather Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Injection molded foam frame. Extremely comfy. We have two available.
Leather
Soriana Sofa, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited i...
Steel
Sofa Model "920" by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa Model "920" by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1960s 2 available, Sold individually.
Leather
Italian modern blue fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern blue fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Modular sofa model Erasmo covered in petrol blue. The couch is composed of two modules with armrests, w...
Fabric, Plastic
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra S...
Leather, Plastic
$12,592Sale Price|32% Off
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Coronado Sofa in Black Leather by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Coronado two-seater sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s. Sofa in original black leather and fabric tag underneath cushions.
Leather
Midcentury Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set composed by two seater sofa and two ottoman by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Original label Cassina. The idea for this armchair that changed the face of upholstered furniture ...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa White Lacquered Sofa 3 Seats Model Bastiano for Gavina, Italy 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Paris, IDF
White lacquered sofa 3 seats model Bastiano by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina italy 1960s The lot is in good overall condition with no cracks or mis...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Sofa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975, a Pair Available
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' sofa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975 - A pair available.
Wood
"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Utrecht, NL
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...
Metal
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s Erasmo sofa covered in brown Leather. The sofa consists of two modules with armrests, which follow geometric...
Leather
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
An iconic Soriana sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in the 1970s. The generous, softly gathered cushions are elegantly embraced by a chrome-plated metal frame, cre...
Chrome
Afra e Tobia Scarpa Mastro Daybed Molteni 1981
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare and beautiful 'Mastro' daybed sofa designed by duo Afra e Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Molteni 1981. This super shaped daybed has a ...
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Velvet Soriana Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana three seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. Re-upholstered with brown ve...
Chrome
Vintage XL Sofa Soriana by Afra & Tobia Scarpa produced by Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Geneva, CH
Superb iconic wide 3 seater sofa model Soriana designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Soriana in Italy ca. 1969. Recieved the prestigious award Compasso d'oro in Milano the ...
Stainless Steel
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Velvet Soriana Living Room Set for Cassina, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana living room set, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. The set is composed of a three-seater sofa, a lounge chair and a...
Chrome
Soriana Two-Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Soriana two-seater sofas by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a celebrated icon of 1970s Italian design. These pieces feature the signature plush, voluminous form cinched by a p...
Velvet
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Pink, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, pink and chromed steel, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s,...
Velvet
Pair of Soriana Sofas, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited i...
Steel
Italian Modern Soriana Sofa Designed By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Cassina, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Weehawken, NJ
This iconic sofa features original brown corduroy upholstery in excellent vintage condition. Comfortably sits 4 people. Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, circa 1960's
Metal
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
Cassina 'Soriana' Cognac Leather Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Cassina; Tobia Scarpa; Afra Scarpa; Minimalist; Italian Design; Hollywood Regency; Post-modern; Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Soriana, reupholstered in aniline leather....
Chrome
Post-Modern Italian Two Seat Sofa in Wood and Creme Colored Velvet Upholstery
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, beech, fabric, Italy, 1970s This two-seat sofa dates from Italy in the 1970s and is designed in the style of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The design is defined by clear proportions ...
Fabric, Beech
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Black, 1969, Set of 3
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and two Lounge Chairs, Black Leather, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "So...
Plastic, Leather
Bastiano Sofa And Armchair By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in PAU, FR
Super Nice set of afra & Tobia scarpa Rare in white Wood and black leather Super confortable
Leather
Italian mid-century modern black faux leather sofa Bastiano Scarpa Gavina 1960s
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern black faux leather sofa Bastiano Scarpa Gavina 1960s Two-seater sofa mod. Bastiano in wood and black faux leather. The seat, backrest and armrests are made...
Faux Leather, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, 1970s Very good condition and fabric that feels good to the touch. I can sent more detail pic...
Chrome
Bonanza 2 Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1970s - New Leather Upholstery
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Bonanza 2 Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s - New Leather Upholstery
Leather
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Bouclé Fabric "Soriana" Italian Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-Century Modern four-seat sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure, reupholstered in white bouclé fabric. Made in Italy...
Steel, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Light Blue Alcantara Soriana Chaise Lounge for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” chaise longue, Alcantara and metal, Italy, 1969. The Soriana lounge chair is low and soft and invites the sitter to sink in. Its peculiar feature is the...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Tobia Scarpa White Bouclé Wool Soriana Italian Sofa, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa model "Soriana" two-seat design by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure and reupholstered in white bouclé wool fabric Italy, 1960s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935...
Wool, Bouclé, Plastic, Wood
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Stamped Cassina. Seat height 37 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in London, GB
Winner of the Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, the Soriana led Italian power couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa to instant success. An original concept, metal belts front and back give struct...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Pair of 'Artona' Sofas in Walnut
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, pair of 'Artona' sofas, walnut, beige-sand fabric, Italy, 1975/1979 Cubic ‘Artona’ sofas by Italian designer couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The w...
Fabric, Walnut
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 for Maxalto Italian Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofa, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood frame and fabric cushions, made...
Fabric, Wood
Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dallas, TX
A Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. This sofa was a floor model and is in excellent, like new condition. Upholstered in the premium #13L010 'Bianco' fabric from Cass...
Fabric
Soriana Two-Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, England
Soriana two-seater sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina newly reupholstered in cream corduroy fabric.
Upholstery
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Bouclé, 1969, Set of 3
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” living room set for Cassina, sofa and two lounge chairs, ivory bouclé and chromed steel, Italy, 1969, set of three. 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 those lounge chairs and sofa, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Plastic, Bouclé
Italian modern brown leather Soriana sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather Soriana sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina 1970s Two-seater sofa, Soriana model, padded and covered in brown leathe...
Steel
Original Erasmo Couch Modul Sofa B&B Italia Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 3-teiliges Modulsofa von B&B Italia aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Afra & Tobia Scarpa und wurde unter dem Namen "E...
Fabric
Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmant canapé dit Soriana deux places par Afra et Tobia Scarpa pour Cassina. Très bel qualité du cuir et superbe Patine.
Stainless Steel
Rare rosewood 3-seater sofa by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in BE
This exceptional sofa from the mid-1970s stands out for its rare rosewood construction, enriched with striking dark inlaid details that create a refined, almost ebony-like contrast. ...
Leather, Rosewood
Soriana sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Cognac Velvet, Italy, 1970`s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful cognac velvet Soriana sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa . The sofa is iconic not only because it won the Comasso d`Oro but it is so unique visually- deep seating, generous...
Velvet
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
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
$7,127Sale Price / set|20% Off
Three-seater sofa and armchairs by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970, set d
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Manzano, IT
Certainly. Here is a well-structured and descriptive sales ad for the sofa and armchair set. Sale announcement Title: Iconic set by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia (1970) - 3 se...
Chenille, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Off-White Boucle Bastiano Two Seater Sofa for Gavina, 1966
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mid-Century Modern two-seater Bastiano sofa designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1966. This original piece features a solid walnut frame with clean, architectural lin...
Bouclé, Walnut
B&B ITALIA Afra & Tobia Scarpa Modell Coronado Leather Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Munich, Bavaria
B&B Italia black leather sofa Modell Coronado designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in the late 1960s. Big loose cushions. This small sofa is comfortable. The leather is in good conditio...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, A large sofa, "Soriana", Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Paris, FR
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana A brown velvet covered and metal framed sofa. Produced by Cassina. Cassina label underneath. Circa 1970. Italy. Liter...
Velvet
Pair of Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Two-Seater Sofas for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
Winner of the Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, the Soriana led Italian power couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa to instant success. An original concept, metal belts front and back give struct...
Metal
Bonanza 3 Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1970s - New Leather Upholstery
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Bonanza 3 Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s - New Leather Upholstery
Leather
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Leather Coronado Living Room Set for C&B Italia, 1969
By C&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Brown leather “Coronado” living room set composed of two armchairs and one three-seat sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966 and produced by the Italian manufacturer C&B Ita...
Foam, Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Coronado Sofa by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Coronado Sofa by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Velvet