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.
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 Scarpa 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.)
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.
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 Tobia Scarpa table lamps, sofas, dining chairs and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni ‘Morna’ Bed with Nightstands in Black Leather
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, bed with nightstands model ‘Morna’, leather, opaline glass, wood, plastic, Italy, designed in 1972. This rare bed named ‘Morna’ reflects the duo’s s...
Opaline Glass, Plastic, Wood
"Vanessa" daybed by Tobia Scarpa for Simon
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 80"w x 37"d x 28"h Designer: Tobia Scarpa Material: Enameled Metal w/ Cushion VNT1778
Metal
Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Italy
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V a...
Resin
Italian modern cocoon chandelier Nuvola by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern cocoon chandelier Nuvola by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s Nuvola chandelier with rounded diffuser in beige cocoon and an internal metal rod structure. It has a black-pa...
Metal
"Foglio" Wall Sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
The "Foglio" wall sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, an icon of 20th-century Italian design. This lamp stands out for its chrome finish, which adds a touch of modern elegance to any ro...
Metal
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia ...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni Set of Twelve 'Monk' Dining Chairs
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of twelve 'Monk' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1974. Set of ‘Monk’ chairs by renowned Italian designers Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Th...
Leather, Walnut
$3,135Sale Price|30% Off
Tobia Scarpa Mid-century Modern Italian Dining Table "Andrè" for Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Mid-century dining table in steel and smoked glass by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. It is part of the 'Andre' line, circa 1960s. Large dining table made with tubular legs in polished stee...
Metal, Chrome
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
"Pigreco" Chair by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. Italy, 1950s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
"Pigreco" armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. Designed by Tobia Scarpa as final university exam on Franco Albini class.
Wood
Papillona Lamp - Tobia Scarpa for Flos - Italy - 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
The Papillona produced by Flos, is an iconic floor lamp designed in 1975 by Tobia Scarpa. Its essential and elegant style perfectly embodies the minimalist and innovative taste that...
Aluminum
Fantasma Grande by Tobia Scarpa for Flos 1961
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Fantasma Grande floor lamp designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1961. This rare early production is in excellent condition, large version, designed by Tobia Scarpa in the early 1960s...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
1970s Low Tables 'Andre' by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
Classic “Andre” low table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina/Knoll International, featuring its original chromed steel base and a new matching glass top. This iconic model showcases...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Vanessa Bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1950s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Vanessa bed, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa around 1959 and originally produced for Gavina (and later by Simon by Cassina), is an icon of Italia...
Metal
Gray Papillona floor lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos 70s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Padova, IT
Flos Papillona is a floor lamp with a simple and modern design. Designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1975, it is a classic from those memorable years which saw t...
Metal
Rectangular Model Andre Dining Table by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Delft, NL
Rectangular Model Andre dining table by Tobia Scarpa. Tobia Scarpa, Model Andre dining table for manufacturer Gavina , late in the 60s it has been taken over by the manufacturer K...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano 2 seater sofa, leather and wood, 1968, Knoll
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa. Two piece available. Supporting structure in solid oak. Flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Leather, Oak
Tobia Scarpa Coronado Sofas in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, 1975, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 'Coronado' two seat sofas in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by the Italian firm, B&B Italia, circa 1975. The seating are made with a then revolutionary kind of molded polyurethane foam for excellent support and comfort. The 'Coronado', was the first ever seating to be built using this new technique: the foam molds were assembled around an iron frame, resulting in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable product. The present pair consists of the two seater sofas offered in their original cognac leather upholstery preserved in excellent condition. Labels affixed on both pieces read 'Coronado' designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. Afra and Tobia Scarpa designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, accompanied with modern and refined aesthetics. During the 1960's, the couple designed the Bastiano sofa and the Vanessa bed...
Leather
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa, 1960's
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original black leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa ...
Rosewood, Leather
$2,240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Tobia Scarpa "Pigreco" Chair for Gavina, Italy 1950's
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Pigreco" chair by designer Tobia Scarpa in walnut with genuine leather seat. This chair was manufactured in the 1950's by the Italian company Gavina. Retain their Stendig paper ...
Leather, Walnut
"Bollo 870" wall lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
"Bollo" is a wall lamp by architect-designer Tobia Scarpa in the year 1978 and produced by Flos. It features a cream and black painted metal body and stand and a transparent prismati...
Metal
Nuvola Cocoon Chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1962
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Step into the captivating world of Italian Mid-Century Modern design with the Nuvola cocoon chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1962. This light sus...
Plastic
Tobia Scarpa “André” Square Dining Table for Gavina / Knoll International, 1970s
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tobia Scarpa “André” Square Dining Table for Gavina / Knoll International, Chrome & Glass, 48" Two Pieces: Table base and Glass Top An architectural square table of exceptional mod...
Chrome
Divano in pelle nera modello Coronado di Tobia Scarpa per B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ghedi, IT
splendido divano Coronado disegnato da Tobia Scarpa (in collaborazione con Afra Scarpa) per B&B Italia, icona del design italiano degli anni '60 ancora oggi in produzione e amatissim...
Leather
Tobia Scarpa Set of Two Foglio Wall Lamp in Nickel Plated Metal by Flos 1966
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of two Foglio wall lamps in nickel-plated metal designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1966 and produced by Flos. Both lamps were part of the first production characterized by heavy metal instead of the lighter aluminum used in the most recently produced Foglio lamps...
Nickel, Metal
Mid-Century Design Jucker table lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos , Italy , 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-Century Design ‘Jucker’ table lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos , Italy ,1960’s Dimensions: 18cm Diameter, 21cmH Period: 1960’s Color: Yellow Material: Metal Designer: Tobia Scarpa ...
Metal
Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2912 Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery, in perfect condition. Gavina label. Gavina manufacture, circa 1970.
Leather
Pair of Bilobo Glass Pendant for Flos by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Italy 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bilobo model is defined by the tension between its softly contoured glass volume and the restrained geometry of its anodized aluminum fitting. The semi-opaque glass shade has an...
Blown Glass
Tacchini Sempronia Chair by Tobia Scarpa in STOCK
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
SEMPRONIA CHAIR 50x53 CAT. V - VITE 08 BRONZE RINGS T117 WITH INTERLINER CAL117 Circular elements fit together in a double circle that evokes the signa...
Fabric
Coronado 3- Seater Sofa in Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1976
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly sought-after Coronado 3-seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia and made in 1976, an icon of Italian modern design. The piece is upholstered in black l...
Leather, Beech
Tobia Scarpa, Set of four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood
Tobia Scarpa Navy Vanessa Model Single Bed for Gavina, Italy, c.1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in London, GB
Navy Vanessa model single bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, c.1960s. A refined and elegant example of Italian modernist design, this single bed frame features a painted metal st...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana limited edition Denim armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s to bring ho...
Metal
Vintage 20thC Rare Italian 'Fantasma' Floor Lamp By Tobia Scarpa For Flos c.1961
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A 20th Century rare vintage Italian floor lamp from the 1960s, designed by Tobia Scarpa for FLOS. Constructed with a steel internal framework and a layered resin skin, the design for...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Salmon Pink Leather Three-Seats Sofa for B&B
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado three-seats sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Salmon Pink leather, great condition.
Iron
Pigreco Armchair Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 60s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lucija, SI
The Pigreco chair is the first product designed by Tobia Scarpa, conceived in 1959 as a graduation project at the end of his studies in architecture at the University of Venice. The ...
Velvet, Walnut
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina "Andre" Mid Century Glass and Chrome Dining Table
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Esperance, NY
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina "Andre" Mid Century Glass and Chrome Dining Table For sale is this very nice vintage table , it has a great sleek and clean design. The glass is thick and th...
Metal
early Edition Fantasma Floor Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Flos Fantasma Piccolo floor lamp by Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1960s. Created by renowned Italian designer Tobia Scarpa, this breathtaking floor lamp presents like a functional work of ar...
Steel
VENINI Opachi Black Murano Glass Vase by Tobia Scarpa, Signed 2011, Italy
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opachi vase, model 513.04, in Black Murano opaline glass, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1960 and produced in 2011. Part of Venini’s refined Opachi collection, these vases are a...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Coronado armchair by Tobia Scarpa Anni 70-80 Production B&B in red leather.
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair with foam padding, leather upholstery.
Leather
Pair of Bastiano Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Bastiano Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
Leather, Wood
Coronado Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Full leather construction. Coronado Loveseat and ottoman also available.
Leather
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, C&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding pair of “Coronado” armchairs, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia (Cassi...
Leather, Foam
Tobia Scarpa Red and Black Crystal "Occhi" Bottle, 1960, Venini & C
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Bochum, NRW
Rare shape 'Occhi' crystal bottle designed by Tobia Scarpa. Design: 1959-1960. Executed by Venini & C. Rectangular bottle shape with corresponding neck. Clear crystal glass with ...
Crystal
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Iconic "Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy.
Resin
Knoll Bastiano Lounge Chair by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the stunning Bastiano Lounge Chair by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, a true masterpiece of luxury furniture. This iconic lounge chair features a sleek and sophisticated design, ...
Leather
Soriana Armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Metal & Fabric, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed to bring home casual, sophisticated comfort that opens the door to new, freer lifestyles. The idea for this armchair that...
Metal
Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana limited edition Denim armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s to bring ...
Metal
Pigreco Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Tacchini, Italy, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful set of four Pigreco chairs, a timeless masterpiece of design by Tobia Scarpa for Tacchini, Italy in 1959. Each chair has been carefully upholstered with the utmost attentio...
Leather, Wood
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three-Seater Soriana Sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Produced by Cassina in Italy. A statement seating piece with soft, voluminous lines, created to offer a relaxed yet refi...
Metal
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for flos, Italy.
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
"Nuvola" Pendant Light by Tobia Scarpa for flos, Italy.
Resin
Soriana by Tobia Scarpa Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed to bring home casual, sophisticated comfort that opens the door to new, freer lifestyles. The idea for this armchair that...
Metal
Divano Bastiano di Tobia Scarpa per Gavina anni 70
By Simon Gavina Editions, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ghedi, IT
Il divano **Bastiano** è uno dei progetti più iconici del design italiano firmato da Tobia Scarpa per Gavina. In questa versione a due posti, misura 158 cm x 78 cm e racchiude tutta ...
Fabric
White Leather Ciprea Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
White Leather Ciprea Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968. A timeless example of Scarpa’s visionary approach to furniture design. Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Tobia Scarpa Model "Foglio" Made of Brass Italian Sconces
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Model "Foglio" wall lights designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Structure made of brass and composed of two bulb each sconce. Tobía Scarpa (Venice, 1935) & Afra Scarpa (Montebelluna, ...
Brass
Midcentury White Wool Soriana Sofa and 2 Armchairs By Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Madrid, ES
The sofa set and two Soriana armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Steel structure and upholstered in white wool, Italian design from the 1960s. This iconic set of Soriana...
Steel
$4,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for the B&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and modern pair of large armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa for the B&B Italia manufacture in 1974 The pair of armchairs is upholstered in a brown leather. The armchairs are ...
Leather
Tobia Scarpa , Table lamp mod. Biagio, prod. Flos, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Rivoli, IT
Designed in 1968 by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Flos, the Biagio table lamp consists of a body carved from a single hollowed block of white Carrara marble. The Biagio table lamp is...
Carrara Marble
Vintage Space Age Bollo 870 Wall Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hamburg, DE
Bollo wall lamp from the Italian manufacturer Flos Flos after a draft by Tobia Scarpa from the late 1970s. The fan -like light head is made of metal and covered with a white structu...
Metal