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.
Tobia Scarpa Flos Custom “Skyscraper” Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Palermo, IT
Overview: A museum-grade, exceptionally rare monumental "Cocoon" floor lamp, designed as an exclusive custom commission in the style of Tobia Scarpa for Flos during the 1960s. Standi...
Brass, Steel, Nickel
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina "Vanessa" Double Bed, Italy 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Naples, IT
Double bed mod.Vanessa in curved lacquered metal of the designer Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. Tobia Scarpa worked for much of his career alongside his wife Afra Bianchin (Montebelluna,...
Metal
Vintage Tobia Scarpa “Biagio” Table Lamp in Carrara Marble for Flos, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in CABA, AR
Iconic “Biagio” table lamp designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, in 1968. Sculpted from a single block of fine Carrara marble, the Biagio lamp is one of Tobia Scarpa’s most reco...
Carrara Marble
Petite 'Nuvola' Suspension Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Nuvola" suspension light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled metal, resin. Plastic polymer resin was applied with spraying technique ...
Steel
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
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
Bastiano lounge chair designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1961
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Bastiano lounge chair designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1961 The Bastiano lounge chair is one of the most recognisable designs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, defin...
Leather, Wood
VENINI 90th Opachi Ivory Murano Glass Vase by Tobia Scarpa, Signed 2012, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opachi vase 90th anniversary, model 513.00, in Ivory Murano opaline glass, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1960 and produced in 2012. Part of Venini’s refined Opachi collection, ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
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
$445Sale Price|20% Off
"Foglio" Wall Sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
Fantasma Grande in Cocoon & Metal by Tobia Scarpa for Flos Italy, 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
Italian modern cocoon chandelier Nuvola by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
"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
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
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
VENINI Opachi Ivory Murano Glass Vase by Tobia Scarpa, Signed 2002, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opachi vase, model 513.04, in ivory Murano opaline glass, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1960 and produced in 2002. Part of Venini’s refined Opachi collection, these vases are a...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
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
Rectangular Model Andre Dining Table by Tobia Scarpa
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
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
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
Tobia Scarpa Mid-century Modern Italian Dining Table "Andrè" for Gavina, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
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
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
$9,864 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
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
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
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
Gray Papillona floor lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos 70s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
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
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
Tobia Scarpa "Pigreco" Chair for Gavina, Italy 1950's
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa, Afra & 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
Tobia Scarpa Occhi Vase for Venini
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice vintage example. Classic form.
Art Glass
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
Tobia Scarpa Set of Two Foglio Wall Lamp in Nickel Plated Metal by Flos 1966
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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...
Metal, Nickel
Divano in pelle nera modello Coronado di Tobia Scarpa per B&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
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 four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
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
Coronado Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Full leather construction. Coronado Loveseat and ottoman also available.
Leather
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
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
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa, canvas and wood, 1960, Gavina
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa by Tobia Scarpa with original upholstery in canvas. Supporting structure in wood, flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Canvas, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa and ottoman in light tobacco leather by Cassina in aniline leather. The ottoman is ...
Chrome
Pigreco Armchair Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 60s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
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 "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
Pair of Bilobo Glass Pendant for Flos by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Italy 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
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
"Bollo 870" wall lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1970s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
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
Minimalist Outdoor Armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A stylish, minimalist outdoor armchair designed for the younger generation that invites the spontaneity typical of a day to be enjoyed outdoors. In 1967, Afra and Tobia Scarpa craf...
Fabric, Wood
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
Bastiano Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Bastiano sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 1970s. Sofa features a solid black-stained wooden structure and original red upholstered cushions.
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
$10,444Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Living Room Set Tobia Scarpa Labeled C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Living Room Set by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Rare Vintage Coronado Living Room Set. Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa along wit...
Leather
Venini Opachi 513.00 Pagliesco Murano Glass Vase design Tobia Scarpa - Damiani
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Tobia Scarpa Model: Opaque 513.00 Collection: Opaque Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass va...
Glass
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
"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
"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
Tobia Scarpa Foglio Wall Lamps, Nickel Plated Steel, Italian Design
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original pair of Tobia Scarpa Nickel Plated Steel Foglio Wall Lamps. Featuring two organic, half-moon waist-banded reflective shades with Off-White enameled interior and rounded back. Ceramic sockets. with two standard (incandescent) bulbs per Lamp. Uplight and Downlight. Up to 75 watts per socket. Soft indirect light. Classic. Sculptural. Fine Italian High Modern...
Metal, Nickel
$9,825 / item
FLOS Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carved seamlessly from a single piece of exquisite Carrara marble, the Biagio lamp by Tobia Scarpa has been a favorite since the design’s debut in 1968. A ...
Marble
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
Sofa model 920 by Tobia Scarpa produced by Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Sofa model 920 by Tobia Scarpa produced by Cassina, 1960s Sofa upholstered and covered in gray cotton and wood and metal frame.Designed in the 1960s by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Goo...
Metal
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