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.
Original Mid-Century White TS-Foglio Wall Lamps 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
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
$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
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
Vintage Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Set of 2
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in KUTNO, PL
Foglio is a legendary wall lamp. Designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, it continues to impress with its clean lines, functionality, and subtle expression. Its name – Italian for...
Metal
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
Italian mid-century modern steel wall lamp Foglio by Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern steel wall lamp Foglio by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1960s Wall lamp model Foglio in curved chrome-plated steel sheet, internally enameled in white. The lamp h...
Steel
$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
"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
$750Sale Price / item|25% Off
Tobia Scarpa for Flos White Foglio Applique Set of Four 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Tobia Scarpa for Flos White Foglio Applique Set of 4 1970s The price it's for all 4
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Brass Sconces "Foglio"
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of sconces model "Foglio" designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Structure made of brass and composed of two bulbs each sconce. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied...
Brass
Model Bollo Set of 3 Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model Bollo Set of 3 Wall Lights by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s, Italy Very high quality. Fully functional. Lamps are in very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and u...
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
Flos Foglio - Wall Sconce in Black by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Flos Foglio - Wall Sconce in Black by Tobia Scarpa Resembling a shirt cuff, the contemporary Foglio wall lamp from design master Tobia Scarpa is a mixture of timeless and contempo...
Steel
$7,079Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury wall light model "802" by Tobia Scarpa for Venini, Italy 1970
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare single Midcentury wall light model "802" by Tobia Scarpa for Venini, Italy 1970 Stunning hand blown glass and metal structure. This light can be re-oriented to point up as wel...
Brass
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
‘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
Pair of Tobia Scarpa for Flos Quarto Model Metal and Plexiglass Wall Sconces
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in IT
Quarto model wall or ceiling lamps, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1973 and produced by Flos, now out of production. We propose two lamps. Each lamp consists of a mirrored metal reflec...
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
Biagio Table Light by Tobia Scarpa for FLOS
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vancouver, BC
Designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1968. Table lamp providing direct light. Lamp body carved seamlessly from a single block of Carrara marble. Elegant and unique, this light is a sculptu...
Carrara Marble
$2,477
H 21.66 in W 27.56 in D 5.91 in
Rare Butterfly Sconce / Wall Lamp By Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 80s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
A special, poetic and currently discontinued wall light, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for the Italian company "Flos" in the 1980s. In 2007 John Galliano designed a summer collection for Christian Dior inspired by Giacomo Puccini...
Metal, Enamel
$2,348 / set
H 8.27 in W 14.97 in D 4.73 in
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Brass Sconces "Foglio"
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of sconces model "Foglio" designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Structure made of brass and composed of two bulbs each sconce. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied...
Brass
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
$1,168 / item
H 8.27 in W 14.97 in D 4.73 in
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
Pair of Nickel Plated Wall lights circa 1950
Located in CA, CA
Elegant pair of nickel wall sconces with shades circa 1950
Nickel
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
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
Afra and Tobia Scarpa “Foglio” wall lights, 1970s Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Den Haag, NL
The Foglio wall lamp, designed by the renowned Italian duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966, is a timeless icon of minimalist elegance and functional design. Produced by Flos, the lamp ...
Steel
$2,890 / set
H 7.88 in W 10.24 in D 2.37 in
Set of 2 rare OTI Sconces by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 2 sets avalaible
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
White China screen. Anodized metal reflector. Labeled flos. 1 x E14 each 100 watts max. Both in excellent condition. To be on the safe side, the l...
Aluminum, Brass
Tobia Scarpa Nictea Pendant Lamp 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
$1,651 / set
H 8.27 in W 14.97 in D 4.34 in
Wall Lights " Flogio " Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1960s.
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Pair of Wall Lights " Foglio ” in chrome with a beautiful vintage patina. Designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1966. Designer - Tobia & Afra Scarpa. Producer - F...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
Mid-Century Chrome "Foglio" Sconces by T. Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1960s Lighting
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century first production chrome "Foglio" sconces in fabulous conditions. These iconic lamps were designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. 3 pieces available. The Foglio (meaning 'sheet' or 'leaf' in Italian) is composed by a thick curved sheet of chromed steel with a white enameled interior and two lamp holders. They come wires and tested, compatible with both US and EU / UK standards and use two E26/27 light bulbs. The way these lamps spread the light is poetic and incredibly elegant. The perfect lamps to complete a midcentury modern living room. Dimension (cm): Width - 37 Height - 21 Depth - 11 Tobia Scarpa’s work (as well as that of his brother Carlo, an architect) reveals a precise desire to combine old and new, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern needs. Scarpa graduated in architecture from the University of Venice in the 1950s, together with his wife and collaborator Afra. His first assignment as a designer was for Venini, a renowned Murano glass company. Starting in 1957, Tobia and his wife also began working together in the field of architecture, and devoted much of their work to the delicate restoration of historic buildings. They are also known for their sober approach to design, aimed at the luxury market. The Foglio lamp...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 7.09 in W 15.75 in D 8.67 in
Wall Lights “Quarto”, Model 453, by Tobia Scarpa for FLOS, Italy, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Greding, DE
This pair of wall lights in the form of a quarter sphere was designed by Tobia Scarpa for FLOS. They are made of aluminium and ribbed glass. Each is stamped on the reverse.
Aluminum
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.77 in D 4.73 in
Foglio brass sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Early first edition, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
An iconic Foglio wall sconce designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, crafted in Italy in 1967. Expertly and professionally polished, the brass exteriors ...
Brass
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.77 in D 4.73 in
Pair of Foglio brass sconces by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Early first edition, 1960
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
An iconic pair of Foglio wall sconces designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, crafted in Italy in 1967. Expertly and professionally polished, the brass e...
Brass
Tobia Scarpa for Flos Wall Lamp "Foglio," Italy 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Naples, IT
Wall sconce model "Foglio" designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Crafted from a single sheet of curved metal, the Foglio features a soft, organic shape that resembles a folded envelope....
Metal
Tobia Scarpa sconce for Flos 1970s.
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bari, IT
Lacquered brass wall sconce model Quarto by Tobia Scarpa for Flos 1970s.Tobia Scarpa is a visionary designer whose work transcends the boundaries of form and function. Known for his ...
Brass
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
Mid-Century Pair of Chrome "Foglio" Sconces by T. Scapra for Flos Italy 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of vintage / first production of chrome "Foglio" sconces in fabulous conditions. These iconic lamps were designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. The Foglio (meaning 'sheet' or 'leaf' in Italian) is composed by a thick curved sheet of chromed steel with a white enameled interior and two lamp holders. The effect when lit is incredibly stylish and clean. They come wired and tested, compatible with both US and EU/UK standards and use two E26/27 light bulbs. The way these lamps spread the light is poetic and incredibly elegant. The perfect lamps to complete a midcentury modern living room. Dimension (cm): Width - 37 Height - 21 Depth - 11 Tobia Scarpa’s work (as well as that of his brother Carlo, an architect) reveals a precise desire to combine old and new, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern needs. Scarpa graduated in architecture from the University of Venice in the 1950s, together with his wife and collaborator Afra. His first assignment as a designer was for Venini, a renowned Murano glass company. Starting in 1957, Tobia and his wife also began working together in the field of architecture, and devoted much of their work to the delicate restoration of historic buildings. They are also known for their sober approach to design, aimed at the luxury market. The Foglio lamp...
Steel, Chrome
Tobia Scarpa for Flos "Foglio" Wall Lamp, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Naples, IT
Chromed and enamelled wall sconce Mod. "Foglio" by Tobia Scarpa for Flos "Foglio", Italy 1978 The wall sconces were created in 1978. This iconic wall light has a highly reflective ...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa for Flos Pair of "Foglio" Wall Lamps, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of chromed and enamelled wall sconces Mod. "Foglio" by Tobia Scarpa for Flos "Foglio", Italy 1978 The wall sconces were created in 1978. This iconic pair of wall lights has a h...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa for Flos Pair of "Foglio" Wall Lamps, Italy 1960s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of chromed and enamelled wall sconces Mod. "Foglio" by Tobia Scarpa for Flos "Foglio", Italy 1978 The wall sconces were created in 1978. This iconic pair of wall lights has a h...
Chrome
Pair of Battuto Murano Sconces by Tobia Scarpa for Venini
By Venini, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Pair of Battuto Murano Sconces by Tobia Scarpa for Venini, in Italy in 1967. Chalice-shaped wall sconce in a soft pink translucent finish. We recom...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.97 in D 4.73 in
Mid-Century Modern Tobia Scarpa Model Foglio Pair of Italian Sconces
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Model "Foglio" wall lights designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Structure made of metal and composed of two bulb each sconce. Tobía Scarpa (Venice, 1935) & Afra Scarpa (Montebelluna, 1937 - Treviso, Italy, 2011) The marriage of designers Tobía and Afra Scarpa is considered one of the great references in Contemporary design. Currently, the unique pieces of Tobia & Afra Scarpa can be found in museums in the United States and Europe, including collections at the MoMA and the Louvre Museum. Designer, architect and son of recognised Italian designer Carlo Scarpa, Tobia Scarpa began his artistic career with his wife, Afra Bianchin, in 1957., working as designers at the Murano Venini glass factory. It was in 1960 when the couple opened their own Design Office in Montebelluna (Treviso) and actively participated in the creation of the Flos lighting company, designing their first models with Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Every item LA STUDIO...
Metal