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 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
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” white metal double bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 70s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
Born in Venice in 1935, Tobia Scarpa is the son of the famous architect Carlo Scarpa. Together with his wife Afra, Tobia began working in the Venini glass factory in Murano in the 19...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina "Vanessa" Double Bed, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
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
$6,217Sale Price|20% Off
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
Rare 'Nuvola' Suspension Light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Nuvola" Cocoon suspension light by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Designed and Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. Spun polyester fiber paired with bone colored enameled accents. Bottom...
Steel
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
1970s Low Tables 'Andre' by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
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
Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
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
Set of 8 Black Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 8 Red Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967 The chair, which has now become an icon of Italian style, features Scarpa's typical double trestle structu...
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
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
20th Century Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Daybed mod. Vanessa
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Turin, Turin
Tobia Scarpa is an Italian designer and architect. He is known for his furniture design that melds cutting-edge technology, ergonomic function, and cultural history. After graduating...
Steel
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
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
Soriana Armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Metal & Fabric, Italy
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
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
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
$3,252Sale Price|20% Off
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
Venini Opachi 513.00 Pagliesco Murano Glass Vase design Tobia Scarpa - Damiani
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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
$9,825 / item
FLOS Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
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
Tobia Scarpa "Pigreco" Chair for Gavina, Italy 1950's
By Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
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
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
Italian modern linen and metal chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern linen and metal chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s Chandelier or pendant lamp model Celestia, with a shade in draped linen fabric in natural color, cream white...
Metal
$2,500 / set
Pigreco Chairs By Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Paddington, NSW
Tobia Scarpa, born in Venice in 1935, is an influential Italian architect and designer known for his refined yet innovative approach to modern design. The son of celebrated architect...
Velvet, 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
$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
Set of 6 Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 6 Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967 The chair, which has now become an icon of Italian style, features Scarpa's typical double trestle structure w...
Leather, Wood
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...
Metal, Nickel
$3,400 / set
Foglio Sconces by Tobia Scarpa in Nickel Finish
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Phenomenal modern and sleek pair of Foglio sconces by Tobia Scarpa in satin nickel outside and lightly aged un-lacquered satin nickel fin...
Steel, Nickel
Tobia Scarpa Fior Di Loto in Nickel plated Brass for Flos, Italy 1963
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The Fior di Loto suspension lamp was designed by Tobia Scarpa and made by Flos. It provides mainly indirect lighting through the detailed perforations on both sides of the lamp. This...
Brass, Nickel
Set of Three Soriana Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa Published by Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Scarpa, published by Cassina. Chromed steel structure and original brown leather seat mounted on two wheels at the front of the armchairs. Very nice vintage condition, some traces of...
Steel
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
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
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 manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An iconic and sculptural seating piece, the Soriana embodies a refined vision of comf...
Metal
Pair of Tobia Scarpa Coronado Leather Sofas for B&B Italia, 1975
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
$5,739Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
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
"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
Six Rosewood “Pigreco” Dining Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dallas, TX
Tobia Scarpa “Pigreco” dining chairs for Gavina, Rosewood and leather, Italy, 1960, set of six. Fully restored, refinished, reupholstered. The l...
Rosewood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Set of Six “Africa” Dining Chairs for Maxalto Italy, c. 1975
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
A rare and striking set of six “Africa” dining chairs, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, the artisanal line of B&B Italia, circa 1975. Carved from solid walnut wit...
Walnut
Bastiano Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Bastiano Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, leather Italy, 1962 When Tobia Scarpa first designed the Bastiano Sofa in 1962, he w...
Leather, Wood
Coronado Two-seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa in Cognac Leather, 1969
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, Mobilplast edition, Spain. Upholstered in cognac leather.
Leather
Pair Tobia Scarpa Reflective Nickel Plate "Foglio" Wall Sconces, Circa 1966
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
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
$4,187 / set
Tobia Scarpa 'Bastiano' sofa set by Knoll, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century black fabric and ebonized wood frame 'bastiano' sofa set designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Knoll. The design dates from 1962, this one was produced in the late s...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Coronado Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Coronado armchairs with high backrest designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia. Upholstered in original black leather.
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
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Fior di Loto Afra Tobia Scarpa Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Fior di Loto by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s Chandelier model Fior di Loto with a round glass diffuser. The diffuser structure is compo...
Brass
$1,210 / item
Flos Foglio - Wall Sconce in Gold by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Flos Foglio - Wall Sconce in Gold by Tobia Scarpa Resembling a shirt cuff, the contemporary Foglio wall lamp from design master Tobia Scarpa is a mixture of timeless and contempor...
Steel
Mid-Century Cognac Leather 4 Seat Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Very comfortable four-seat sofa model Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. This large edition is not in production any more. It has soft cognac colored leather cushions and frame...
Leather
Tobia Scarpa Red and Black Crystal "Occhi" Bottle, 1960, Venini & C
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
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
Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy (1968) – Sculpted Carrara Marb
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
The 'Biagio' table lamp, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1968, is an iconic example of Italian mid-century table lighting. The piace is carved from a single block of white Carra...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Green Tamburo Floor Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos outdoor indoor
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
“Tamburo” floor lamp with green finish, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos around 1960. Tamburo by Flos is an outdoor lamp designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1973 with a lacquered metal stru...
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
Patinated ‘Foglio’ Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1966 – Set of Four
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated ‘Foglio’ Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1966 – Set of Four Offered is a set of four original ‘Foglio’ wall lights, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, in 1966...
Steel
Three Seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia. Upholstered in original black leather.
Metal
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