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.)
$18,066 / 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
12 Light Chandelier Designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Signed Venini 2009/16
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Merida, Yucatan
12 Light chandelier designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini , Model 99.37 in Murano Italy. This Chandelier originally designed in 1940 was manufactured in 2009. All the pieces are in ...
Brass
Samo Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1971
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
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
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
Murano 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
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
Carlo Scarpa, La Mina Vase, Corroso Glass, Venini, Murano, Italy 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Bochum, NRW
Murano Glass Vase 'La Mina' Vase designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini in 1936. Corroded iridized surface glass vase with protuberances "bugne". Venini Murano two lines acid signature...
Murano Glass
Modernist Handblown Translucent Murano Glass Polyhedral Chandelier
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
This luminous modernist glass chandelier features numerous handblown Murano translucent glass polyhedral shades. Each glass polyhedral shade...
Chrome
Carlo Scarpa Set of Four Lacquered Wood Dining Chairs for Gavina, Italy, 1974
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in London, GB
A rare and highly collectible set of four dining chairs designed by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina, produced in Italy in 1974. Executed in lacquered wood, the chairs embody Scarpa's distinc...
Wood, Lacquer
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Living Room Set in Lacquered Wood and Fabric by Gavina 1970
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Cornaro living room set is composed of a two-seater sofa with two armchairs, a frame in lacquered wood seat, and a back in padded fabric, with leather ties. Designed by Carlo Scarpa...
Fabric, Wood
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between Japanese minimalism and Ultraration...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
"Samo" Carrara marble dining table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon 70s, 80s
By Simon International, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
The Samo table is one of the most interesting and iconic pieces of furniture designed by Carlo Scarpa for the Italian design company Simon (later Simon-Gavina) in the 1970s, with pro...
Marble
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Rare Murano Crystal Glass Bottle with Stopper
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, this rare and exquisite Murano crystal glass bottle with its original matching spherical stopper was created in Italy circa 1937. An exceptional ...
Glass, Art Glass
A pair of Carlo Scarpa Murano chandeliers 'Poliedri' for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful and original pair Murano chandeliers designed by Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. Each with 9 lights. Beautiful design where the advanc...
Metal
Venini Battuto A Nido D’ape Glass Vase in Horizon by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Battuto A Nido D’ape glass vase, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, was originally designed in 1940. Numbered edition per year. Indoor use only. Dimensions: Ø 23...
Glass
VENINI Carlo Scarpa - Pulegoso Vase Murano Glass 1935 Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
VENINI - CARLO SCARPA / pulegoso workmanship in murano glass. 1930s ,emerald green color
Murano Glass
VENINI #Carlo Scarpa# Poliedri Chandelier Murano Glass Iron 1955/Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Carlo Scarpa Chandelier in Warm Colors.....BGM
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Murano Vase for MVM Cappellin, Italy, 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, MVM Cappelin
Located in Milan, IT
Carlo Scarpa Murano vase for MVM Cappellin, Italy, 1930s.
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmon...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
A pair of Carlo Scarpa Murano chandeliers 'Poliedri' for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful and original pair Murano chandeliers designed by Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. Each with 9 lights. Beautiful design where the advanc...
Metal
$3,030Sale Price|45% Off
Carlo Scarpa lattimo "a fasce" glass Ceiling Lamp by Venini, Murano 1938
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Rome, IT
Carlo Scarpa ceiling lamp 1938 Ceiling lamp designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini Murano Clear and Lattimo “ a fasce” gla...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Glass Dining Table with Brushed Metal Base, 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
Doge Laguna Table by Carlo Scarpa Ltd Ed. of 50 with Mutenye table top.
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare dinning table designed by Carlo Scarpa from Venice in Italy in 1968. This longer model of the doge table serie is a limited edition of 50 pieces around the world which the origi...
Stainless Steel
Bookcase Model 795 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980, Walnut and Steel
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Originally designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1935 and produced for the first time by Bernini in 1980, the Bookcase Model 795 perfectly embodies Scarpa’s architectural approach to furniture. The design features two vertical steel uprights with adjustable feet and wall mounts, supporting eight solid walnut shelves that gradually decrease in depth from bottom to top. The height is adjustable from 290 to 300 cm, emphasizing Scarpa’s fascination with precision mechanics and structural balance. Although conceived decades earlier, this bookcase anticipates the modular and architectural systems that would later define postwar Italian design, such as Franco Albini’s LB7...
Steel
Carlo Scarpa 'Scuderia' Walnut Dining Table by Bernini, 1977, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Scarpa, 'Scuderia' Walnut Dining Table, manufactured by Bernini in 1977 Of solid walnut structure the grain of the wood is spectacular; with sculpted and canted corner legs a...
Walnut
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s)
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s). Tubular rosewood frame. Extraordinarily comfortable and possibly the only one available outside Europe...
Mohair, Wood
"Argo" Oval Dining table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Green marble table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Model: Argo. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Marble
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Glass Pendant Lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lighting This Carlo Scarpa Poliedri pendant lamp is an exceptional example of Italian mid-century modern lighting, featuring sculptural textured gl...
Brass
Venini Chandelier Carlo Scarpa Poliedri 1950 Murano Glass Iron Brass, Italy
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
VENINI chandelier Murano glass CARLO SCARPA Poliedri 1955 iron , Made in Italy.
Murano Glass
Venini Serpente Plate in Milk-White with Turquoise Detail by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Serpente plate in milk-white/turquoise by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. Blown handmade and cut glass plate with the “Murrine” technique. Co...
Blown Glass
Carlo Scarpa “761” Table & 1934 "765" Chairs, Dining Room Set for Bernini, 1934
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “761” Table & 1934 "765" Chairs, Dining Set for Bernini, wood and leather, Italy, 1934. The model 761 square table by Carlo Scarpa reflects the architect’s refined ...
Wood
Venini Murrine Elliptical Opache Plate in Red and Black by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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
Set of 6 Vintage Kentucky Dining Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of six model 783 "Kentucky" dining chairs designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1977, part of his Scuderia series and among the last work he completed for the manufacturer be...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Carlo Scarpa "Samo" Oval Table for Simon Gavina, Granite, 1971
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa "Samo" oval table for Simon Gavina, granite, Italy, 1971. The Scarpa's way of thinking the architecture is particularly visible in this piece. The “Samo” dining table designed in 1971 for 'Ultrarazionale' collection by Simon Gavina consists of two grooved solid granite pillars...
Granite
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony be...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
Sarpi Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterful example of Carlo Scarpa’s design brilliance, this Sarpi Table was created for Simon Gavina in Bologna, Italy, in 1970. The table features a brushed stainless steel frame ...
Stainless Steel
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Chandelier 1969 Murano Glass Light 110cm Mid Century Italy
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Munster, NRW
Called "Poliedri" in Italian and known as "Polyhedral" in English, this design was created by Carlos Scarpa (1906-1978) for Venini when he was their art...
Blown Glass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Turquoise Shell Glass Dish, Murano, Italy, 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in New York, NY
Rare and highly collectible sculptural shell glass dish designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Murano, Italy, 1940s. Hand-blown in luminous turquoise glass, this exceptional work is el...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
"Forian" Low Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
"Florian" coffee table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon - Gavina. Masterly detailed steel base supporting a large glass top. From the same collection also currently available a Doge extra l...
Steel
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
Carlo Scarpa “761” Square Table for Bernini, 1978
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “761” Square Table for Bernini, wood, Italy, 1978 Designed in 1978 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, the model 761 square table reflects the architect’s late and most distil...
Wood
$2,680Sale Price|20% Off
Venini Murano Sommerso Glass, Corroso Vase by Carlo Scarpa.
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A "Velato" corrosi surface finish was pioneered by Carlo Scarpa for Venini in the 1930's.
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Console Table, Cast Iron and Cut Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
A Cast iron industrial elements, converted in a console, iron shelves with cut glass top. Italy 1950 ca.
Iron
Murano Glass Mirror No. 30 by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1930s Designer : Carlo Scarpa ( 1906-1978) for Venini Carlo Scarpa was one of the most influential Italian architects and des...
Glass
Set of glasses and carafes MVM Cappellin Carlo Scarpa
By MVM Cappelin, Carlo Scarpa
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978) for M.V.M. Cappelin Set of glasses and carafes in light pink blown glass with colored inlay at the base 4 champagne coupes 4 wine glasses 5 liqueur glasses...
Glass
CARLO SCARPA VENINI LAMpADA DA TAVOLO VETRO DI MURANO 1940 ITALIA
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
ECCEZIONALE LAMPADA DA TAVOLO IN VETRO DI MURANO...DEL 1940 DELLA VENINI CARLO SCARPA.. PROVENIENTE DA UNA VILLA SUL LAGO DI COMO..... in ottimo stato.
Murano Glass
Venini Carlo Scarpa Sconce Murano Glass Copper-Plated Brass, 1930, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Venini Carlo Scarpa sconce Murano glass copper-plated brass, 1930, Italy.
Murano Glass
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
$3,286
Reticello Glass Pendant
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
An elegant pendant lamp attributed to Carlo Scarpa for Venini, circa 1940s. The spherical Murano glass diffuser is handcrafted using the reticello technique, creating a delicate, net...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa, Small Dining Table Model “Quatour”, Walnut, Italy 1974
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carlo Scarpa Dining table model “Quatour” Manufactured by Simon Gavina Italy, 1974 Walnut wood Measurements: 141 cm x 141 cm x 72 H cm 55.9 in x 55.9 in x 28 H in. Litera...
Walnut
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Black Leather, Set of 6
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa "765" dining chairs for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934, Set of 6 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production only in 1977...
Leather, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Oval Dining Table, Solid Granite, Mid-Century, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The Scarpa's way of thinking the architecture is particularly visible in this piece. The “Samo” dining table, designed in 1971 for 'Ultrarazionale' collection by Simon Gavina, consis...
Granite
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973 The “Cornaro” armchair, designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973 for Gavina, distills the essence of architectural think...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
1980s Carlo Scarpa for Cleto Munari Silver Plated Square Tray
By Cleto Munari, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An iconic piece of twentieth-century Italian post-modernist design, this silver-plated square tray was created by master architect Carlo Scarpa for the renowned publisher Cleto Munar...
Silver Plate
Venini Murrine Opache 488.13 Murano Glass Centerpiece Carlo Scarpa - Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Opaque Murrine 488.13 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this unique Murano...
Glass
Large Bookcase Model "795" by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Large Bookcase Model "795" by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980s
Metal
Carlo Scarpa Mid-Century Brown Walnut “Scuderia” Dining Table for Bernini, 1977
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Scuderia” dining table, designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by the Italian manufacturer Bernini in 1977. Originally, Carlo Scarpa designed the table to restore the stable of Villa Valmarana in Vicenza in 1972. The table features a solid walnut structure. Available also five “Kentucky” dining...
Walnut
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Poliedri Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1960s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Poliedri Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 1960s Chandelier model Poliedri with a white painted metal frame. It is composed of pink and transparent Mura...
Metal
$23,001 / item
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Applique Chandelier for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Poliedri applique, suspension lamp and wall sconce, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, were originally designed in 1958. Indoor use only. Dimensions: Ø 81 cm, H...
Glass