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.
Set of 4 Red Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 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
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
Low Table by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A substantial square low table having a heavy gridded architectural steel base supporting a thick smoked glass top.
Steel
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 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
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Biagio table lamp by Tobia Scarpa. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1968. Carved from a single piece of Carrara marble. Original EU cord. We recom...
Carrara Marble
Original Mid-Century White TS-Foglio Wall Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original 1960s TS-Foglio wall mounted sconce designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Scarpa's history was closely connected to Flos. He was one of the first designers to be invited to the...
Metal, Enamel
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
Tobia Scarpa , Table lamp mod. Biagio, prod. Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
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
$20,619Sale Price / set|30% Off
Tacchini Set of Six Limited edition Pigreco Chairs by Tobia Scarpa in STOCK
By Tobia Scarpa, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Pigreco set of 6 - limited edition of 200 - numbered #78-85 UPHOLSTERED in Dedar Gimel in color 03: Ardoise CANALETTO WALNUT BASE T135 The essential nature of a sign. The proportio...
Textile, Walnut
Fantasma floor lamp in cocoon & metal by Tobia Scarpa for Flos Italy 1961
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Lampada da terra Fantasma disegnata da Tobia Scarpa per Flos nel 1961. Condizioni eccellenti, un' icona dell' illuminazione di interni, la lampada è formata da un telaio metallico ve...
Iron
Tobia Scarpa “Pigreco” Dining Chairs for Gavina, 1960, Set of 6
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Tobia Scarpa “Pigreco” dining chairs for Gavina, metal and walnut, Italy, 1960, set of six. Created for the furniture design course of Franco Alb...
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 ...
Metal
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 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
Tobia Scarpa Chrome Base Rectangle Glass Top 4 Cylinder legs Dining Table Mint!
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tobia Scarpa Chrome Base Rectangle Glass Top 4 Cylinder legs Dining Table Mint!
Chrome
‘Foglio’ Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1966 – Set of Four
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Almelo, NL
‘Foglio’ Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1966 – Set of Four (White, Excellent Condition) Offered is a set of four original ‘Foglio’ wall sconces...
Steel
$1,911 / item
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano low table, wood, 1960, Gavina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano low table by Tobia Scarpa in wood. Two pieces available.
Wood
Tobia Scarpa Purple and Black Crystal 'Occhi' Bottle, 1960, Venini & Co.
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Bochum, NRW
Tobia Scarpa. 'Occhi' bottle. Entwurf: 1959-60. Executed by Venini & Co. Rectangular bottle shape with corresponding neck. Clear crystal glass with chessboard-like murrine in black,...
Crystal
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
Soriana by Tobia Scarpa Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
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
$18,870 / item
Tacchini Customizable T–Table by Tobia Scarpa
By Tacchini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
price listed for grey stained Two simple elements skilfully fit into each other, a bond studied down to the smallest detail that connects the top and the legs to ensure maximum stab...
Oak
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
$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
Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Marble, Italy, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Biagio Table Lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Marble, Italy, 1970s
Marble
Set of 4 Black Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 Black 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 struc...
Leather, Wood
Tobia Scarpa Coronado Sofa in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, Vintage 1975
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
'Coronado' two seat sofa 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 two seater sofa offered in its 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 for Gavina and the Soriana armchair and Poltroncina 925 for Cassina, now exhibited in the permanent collection of the MoMA. Among their most famous projects is the ‘Coronado’ sofa, made for B&B Italia in 1966 and recognized as one of the first polyurethane models. Other notable collaborations during this decade included designs with Maxalto, Molteni, Meritalia (the Libertà...
Leather
$6,000 / set
Pair of Mohair Coronado Armchairs, Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los angeles, CA
Pair of Coronado armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa. Upholstered in brown mohair with loose cushions, Deep, generous proportions balanced by Scarpa’s architectural restraint. A class...
Mohair
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
White Leather Ciprea Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, 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
Italian Vintage Floating Shelf 'Fiordiluna' by Tobia Scarpa, 1991
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Vintage Floating Shelf 'Fiordiluna' by Tobia Scarpa, 1991 Minimalistic, floating glass shelf with sophisticated technology in terms of design, construction, stability, and l...
Crystal, Steel
Set of 8 Red 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
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
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Design in Year 1965 for Cassina Italy Low Table Model 771
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Biella, IT
Afra and Tobia Scarpa design in year '65 for Cassina Italy low table mod. 771 with reversible wood top Material is rosewood and is in good vintage condition with sign of use ...
Wood
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
$9,907 / 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
Divano Bastiano di Tobia Scarpa per Gavina anni 70
By Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
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
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
Pair of Extra Large Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa / 2 pairs available
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of extra large wall lights designed by Tobia Scarpa, produced by Flos, Circa 1970th. Uplight wall light with curved polished brass shades...
Metal
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
PIGRECO Chair designed by Tobia Scarpa made by Tacchini
By Tobia Scarpa, Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
Pigreco Designed by Tobia Scarpa Pigreco expresses itself in the essentiality of the line, the balance between solids and voids, and the harmony between straight lines and curves, de...
Upholstery, Wood
Monk Chair in Walnut & Canvas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Monk Chair in Walnut & Canvas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1970s Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni in the 1970s, the Monk chair is a distinctive ...
Canvas, Wood
Original "André" table, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Paris, FR
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina chrome and glass top dining or conference table, called the "Andre" table. The frame of the top slides in an 'x' shape into the four cylindrical legs. The bar...
Chrome
$4,021 / item
Tobia Scarpa Eitie Floor Lamp For Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Tobia Scarpa Eitie Floor Lamp For Cassina A floor lamp designed by Tobia Scarpa, that takes shape as a seemingly simple structure with sophisticated, innovative technology. The lam...
Silver
New and Made to Order Tacchini Basilan Rattan Chair with leather by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Design and artisanal tradition converge in the Basilan chair, reflecting a contemporary way of living with furniture and a deep sensitivity to authenticity and natural materials that...
Rattan
Dining table by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Dining table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, circa 1960. This striking piece reflects Scarpa’s architectural approach to design, combining clean geometry with refined mat...
Metal
Venini Vase 516.01 Acquamare Murano Glass Vase design Tobia Scarpa - Damiani
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Tobia Scarpa & Ludovico Diaz De Santilliana Model: Vase 516.01 Collection: Beats / Canoes Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your inte...
Glass
Tobia Scarpa "Andre" Square Dining Table for Gavina, 1968
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Andre square dining table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, dated 1968. Smoked glass top on chrome structure.
Chrome
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
Tobia Scarpa Battuto Vase for Venini
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
Tobia Scarpa Battuto Vase for Venini, model no. 8067, blown glass with acid frosted surface, engraved 'venini italia' Dimensions: 12.25" high 7.2...
Blown Glass
Set of 4 Black Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 6 Black 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 struc...
Leather, Wood
Bastiano leather armchair by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 60s, 70s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
When Tobia Scarpa first designed the Bastiano Sofa in 1962, he wanted to provide seating that was sophisticated and elegant, yet casual and comfortable. In keeping with the spirit th...
Beech, Leather
1980's Postmodern Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Andre Dining Table
By Knoll, Piotr Sierakowski, Tobia Scarpa, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Post Modern dining table for sale. The table was designed in 1968 by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, and then went to be manufactured by Knoll. It's the Andre dining table with a st...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Set of Two Nictea Lamps in Nickel-Plated Brass by Flos 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Nictea pendant lamp in nickel-plated brass, and glass was designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1961 and produced by Flos. The Nictea lamp gives filtered and concentrated light thanks to the ...
Brass, Nickel
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
Occhi by Tobia Scarpa – Quadrangular shaped vase
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Uccle, BE
Occhi by Tobia Scarpa – Quadrangular shaped vase “Occhi” vase by Tobia Scarpa. Quadrangular shaped vase from the occhi series. Made up of an arrangement of white and clear glass murr...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Italian modern table lamp Capalonga by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern table lamp Capalonga by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s Table lamp model Capalonga with lampshade composed of two white ceramic strips and two round metal parts. The stru...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa – Pair of Basilian Sofas for B&B Maxalto, Compagnia delle Filippine
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Tobia Scarpa – Pair of Basilian Sofas for B&B Maxalto, Compagnia delle Filippine, 1970s Designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Maxalto – Compagnia delle Filippine, the Basilian sofas are ...
Rattan
Coronado Living Room Set in Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1976
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly sought-after Coronado living room set, designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia and made in 1976, an icon of Italian modern design. This matching suite comprises: On...
Leather, Beech
Minimalist Outdoor Armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
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
Set of 2 Black Leather "121" Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 2 Black 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 struc...
Leather, Wood