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.)
Italian modern wood Valmarana dining table by Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Valmarana model table, made entirely of wood with a light finish and a rectangular top, composed of two lateral shoulders that act as legs that are positioned at the head of the tabl...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Quatour wooden table, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Quatour table by Carlo Scarpa. A large wooden table, a project that derives from a 1947 sketch by Scarpa for a “simple slat” table conceived for his home. The table top has the two...
Wood
Rare Carlo Scarpa "Bianchi Aurati" shell for Venini, 1930
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Vigevano, PV
Carlo scarpa. A rare shell-shaped piece from the "lattimo aurato" (lattimo with gold leaf) series, circa 1930. Produced by Venini; hand-blown glass with gold leaf inclusions. Linear ...
Milk Glass
Italian "Samo" Carrara Marble Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
Carlo Scarpa's ‘Samo’ dining table was designed for Simon Gavina in 1971. Part of the 'Ultrarazionale' collection, this rare piece features two grooved Carrara marble pillars support...
Carrara Marble
Poliedri Chandelier in Murano Glass by Carlo Scarpa for Venini (First Edition)
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
This elegant chandelier, part of the celebrated Poliedri series designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for the historic Murano glassworks Venini around 1958, represents a masterp...
Murano Glass
Set of Six Kentucky Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
Set of six model 783 “Kentucky” dining chairs designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1977, part of his Scuderia series and among his last works ...
Canvas, Ash
Carlo Scarpa, Set of 6 Wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
All the rigor and geometry of the great Italian designer Carlo Scarpa are expressed in this splendid and rare set of 6 wooden chairs made for Gavina in the early 1970s. An essential...
Wood
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
Doge Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reversible metal base with glass top
Metal
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Sofas for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973, Set of 2
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofas for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973, set of two. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between Japanese minimalis...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
"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
‘Argo’ Oval Dining table in travertine by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Cattelan Italia, Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic dining table model Argo in travertine, designed by Carlo Scarpa for the “Ultrarazionale” collection, produced and sold by Cattelan Italia in the 1970s. The table is based ...
Travertine
$18,163 / 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
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chair for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
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
VENINI “Carlo Scarpa “ Poliedri. Chandelier Brass Murano Glass Iron 1955 Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
VENINI Carlo Scarpa.
Murano Glass
Beautiful light green mouth-blown Murano vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Italy
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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 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
Carlo Scarpa, Set of 6 Wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
All the rigor and geometry of the great Italian designer Carlo Scarpa are expressed in this splendid and rare set of 6 wooden chairs made for Gavina in the early 1970s. An essential...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Dining or Console Table Italian Mid Century Modern Limed Oak 98"L
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
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
$24,022 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
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
Midcentury Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Chandelier for Venini, Murano, Italy, 1960s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Almelo, NL
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Chandelier for Venini, Murano, Italy, 1960s. For sale: One exquisite mid-century Venini Murano glass chandelier...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa "Samo" Oval Table for Simon Gavina, White Carrara Marble, 1971
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa "Samo" oval table for Simon Gavina, white Carrara marble, Italy, 1971. The Scarpa's way of thinking the architecture is particularly visible in this piece. The “Samo” d...
Carrara Marble
Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1930s
Glass
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
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
Poliedri Chandelier by Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian chandelier with hand blown polyhedron/polyhedral shaped Murano glasses in clear, light pink, and light green colors, designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, made in Ital...
Metal
Original Blue Glass Poliedri Chandelier by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, c1960
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
A rare circular blue glass poliedri (polyhedron) chandelier designed by the Italian architect and designer, Carlo Scarpa, c.1960. Produced by the prestigious Murano glass company, Ve...
Steel
1950s Drum Venini pale green blue and clear poliedri chandelier by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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 “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory linen, Italy, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Valmarana Table in Ashwood by Simon Gavina 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Valmarana table in ash wood designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Simon Gavina in the 1970s. Carlo Scarpa is a renowned architect with deep ties to Venice, where he was born and...
Ash
Italian Walnut 'Scuderia' Sideboard by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian walnut 'Scuderia' sideboard by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, designed in the 1970s. Crafted in richly figured walnut, the elongated case presents a disciplined façade articula...
Walnut
Carlo Scarpa Iroko Wood and Jacquard Velvet Cornaro Sofa for Studio Simon, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa, Studio Simon
Located in Vicenza, IT
Cornaro two-seater sofa, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Studio Simon in 1974. Made of Iroko wood, foam, and light blue jacquard velvet by Zimmer + Rohde. Fully restor...
Chenille, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Venini Art Deco Chandelier, Nickel & Glass, 1930s
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
A rare Venini Murano "Filigrana a Retice" glass and brass frame by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
A rare 1930s Venini & Co Murano "Filigrana a Reticello" glass frame by Carlo Scarpa, The Murano glass frame has a brass, etched inner solid brass frame, with central etched coll...
Brass
20th Century, Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Glass Vase from the Corrosi Series
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
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
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Brown Leather, 1934, Set of 6
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa "765" dining chairs for Bernini, 1934, brown leather, set of 6 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production only in 1977...
Leather, Wood
Kentucky Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980s
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
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
Venini Murrine Romane Multi-Color Vase by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Murrine Romane vase in multi-color by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. These Murrine are called “roman” due to their graphic signs and because the...
Glass
Pair of Murano Glass "Poliedri" Wall Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1960s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Murano Glass "Poliedri" Wall Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1960s
Glass
Carlo Scarpa & Marcel Breuer for Simon Gavina, “Delfi” Dining Table, Italy
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in amstelveen, NL
Monumental “Delfi” dining table designed by Carlo Scarpa and Marcel Breuer for Simon Gavina as part of the celebrated Ultrarazionale collection. Executed in honed white Carrara mar...
Marble
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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Living Room Set for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973, Set of 3
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” living room set for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973, set of three Designed in 1973 for Gavina, the “Cornaro” series by Carlo Scarpa distills architectural th...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
Italian Art Deco glass and brass floor lamp by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1930s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Deco glass and brass floor lamp by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1930s Floor lamp with white-ivory synthetic parchment shade. There are three bulbs inside the lampshade, two o...
Brass
$4,087Sale Price|25% Off
VENINI & CO. 1930 Carlo Scarpa Art-Deco A Treccia Mirror In Art Glass And Bronze
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
An art glass and bronze desk mirror designed by Venini & Co. This is a very rare and amazing desk mirror created in Murano Venice by Carlo Scarpa for the Venini & Co. The re...
Crystal, Bronze
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Table for Cassina, Glass & Metal, Mid-Century Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Table For Cassina Carlo Scarpa designed this design table in 1974, successor to the popular Doge, with which it appears in the ...
Glass
$25,887Sale Price|20% Off
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
Mid-Century Murano Chandelier "Polyhedr" by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Murano Gla Chandelier "Polyhedr" by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1960s
Murano Glass
Lattimo Velato Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano, ca. 1936
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lattimo Velato Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1936 A rare lattimo velato vase designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1936. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice in the 1930s. Thin ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Samo Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1971
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Samo dining table is a sculptural and architectural masterpiece designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina’s Ultrarazionale collection. It features an oval gray granite top that a...
Granite
$39,864 / item
Venini Carlo Scarpa 12-Light Chandelier in Clear
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carlo Scarpa chandelier, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, was originally designed in 1940. Numbered edition, available in three different sizes. Indoor use only. ...
Glass
Venini Murrine Opache Plate in Red with Black Details by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Murrine Opache plates, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, are available in four different versions. Handmade glass with “murrine” technique. Numbered edition per ye...
Glass
Carlo Scarpa Black Leather Kentucky Dining room Chairs for Bernini, Italy 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Almelo, NL
Carlo Scarpa Black Leather “Kentucky” Dining room Chairs for Bernini, Italy 1977 "Set of six model 783 "Kentucky" dining room chairs, designed by Carlo Scarpa for the Italian manuf...
Leather, Oak
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 red with bursts of gold foil. A rou...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
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
$24,022 / 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
Carlo Scarpa VENINI Pulegoso Vetro Pulegoso Ciottola inclusions Gold 1940 Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
SPLENDID COUPLE CENTER TABLE in emerald green glass pulegoso and gold brushstrokes signed in acid Venini MURANO in very good condition....
Glass
Tobia Scarpa Travertine Table
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous oval shaped table by Carlo Scarpa in cream travertine marble. Italy, 1970's "Argo" center or dining table designed for the Ultrazionale" collection Single pedestal with w...
Travertine
Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Sofa in Iroko wood for Gavina early ed., Italy, 1970's
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first version was crafted in solid Iroko wood, a dense African hardwood used only in the earliest prod...
Wood
$18,148 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
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