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.
$10,006 / 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
$9,935 / 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
$9,935 / 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
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Yellow Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
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
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
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
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
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...
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
Italian 20th Century Beige "Soriana" Leather Sofa By Tobia Scarpa For Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful “Soriana“ leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, made in Italy around the latter part of the 20th century. Finished in a very rare cognac colour leather, it is lovely ...
Metal
Soriana Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1960s, Green Leather and Steel
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Three-seater “Soriana” sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Green eco-leather upholstery with signature chrome-plated steel clamp structure. Awarded the Compasso ...
Steel
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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
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
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
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 Coronado Sofa in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, Vintage 1975
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
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
$13,000
H 25.6 in W 68.9 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” two-seater sofa for Cassina, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. The most notable feature of this couch, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Bouclé
$23,000
H 29.5 in W 97 in D 40 in
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Velvet, Chrome, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1969 The revolutionary and unique 'Soriana' three-seat sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarp...
Chrome
$25,000 / set
H 25.6 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and Two lounge chairs, Ivory Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed...
Bouclé, Plastic
$11,835Sale Price|25% Off
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 66.93 in
Soriana sofa in leather and metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Italy 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Soriana 2 seater by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 1969, reupholstered in metallic green leather. A true icon of style, Soriana, characte...
Metal
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 67 in D 37 in
Italian Leather Soriana Cream Leather Settee Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
The Soriana was designed in both the settee and the sofa length. The Soriana was designed for Cassina by Tobia Scarpa won a “Compasso d’Oro” prize in 1969. With pleated and gathered ...
Chrome
$12,800
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the...
Leather, Plastic
$12,000
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1969 Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Stainless Steel
$12,478Sale Price|32% Off
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Cassina; 1970s; Italian Design; Italy; Two Seater; Post-Modern; Green; Fabric; Mohair; This Soriana two-seater ...
Chrome
$12,700
H 26.38 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Soriana Two-Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Soriana two-seater sofas by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a celebrated icon of 1970s Italian design. These pieces feature the signature plush, voluminous form cinched by a p...
Velvet
$12,600
H 25.6 in W 68.9 in D 35.44 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra S...
Leather, Plastic
$14,304Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 98.43 in D 37.41 in
Cassina Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Afra; Tobia; Scarpa; Cassina; Soriana; Settee; Couch; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Soriana sofa in original upholstery, designed by Afra &...
Wool
$7,364
H 25.6 in W 70.87 in D 41.34 in
Italian modern beige chamois sofa Soriana by Afra Tobia Scarpa Cassina 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern beige chamois sofa Soriana by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s Two-seater sofa Soriana with seat and backrest, padded and upholstered in beige chamois. The cou...
Steel
"Soriana" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful and immensely comfortable leather tufted sofa was designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina and sold in the U.S. by Atelier International. With pleated and gathered leather side...
Chrome
Soriana Leather Sofa by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cognac leather sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa in chromed steel by Cassina, model Soriana, 1970s, Italy. Measures: L 170 cm, D 100 cm, H 60 cm. Another similar sofa available in our st...
Steel
"Soriana" Tufted Leather Sofa by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful and immensely comfortable leather tufted sofa was designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina and sold in the U.S. by Atelier International. With pleated and gathered leather side...
Chrome
Italian Soriana Settee by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
The Soriana was deigned in both the settee and the sofa length. The Soriana was designed for Cassina by Tobia Scarpa won a “Compasso d’Oro” prize in 1969. With pleated and gathered...
Chrome
Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Italian husband and wife duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, the Soriana sofa boasts comfort. Made in the 1970's for Cassina, this sofa rounded body showcases a beautiful gathere...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 25.2 in W 39.38 in D 94.49 in
Tobia Scarpa Brown Leather 'Soriana' Edited By Cassina Italian Sofa
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Signed sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure and upholstered with the original brown natural skin. Italy, 1960s. Our m...
Steel
Sold
H 25.2 in W 39.38 in D 94.49 in
Tobia Scarpa Brown Leather 'Soriana' Edited By Cassina Italian Sofa
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
Signed sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure and upholstered with the original brown natural skin. Italy, 1960s. Our m...
Steel
Sold
H 25.6 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Reupholstered Black Leather Soriana Italian Sofa Vintage
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
The Soriana sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina, is a remarkable piece of furniture that embodies the essence of Italian design from the 1960s. With its sleek steel ...
Steel
Sold
H 25.2 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Reupholstered Black Leather Soriana Italian Sofa, Vintage
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
The Soriana sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina, is a remarkable piece of furniture that embodies the essence of Italian design from the 1960s. With its sleek steel ...
Steel
Cassina Soriana Mohair Sofa designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic labeled Italian modern "Soriana" sofa, made by Cassina and designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The 20th century sofa features the iconic "soft-architecture" construction, co...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Cassina Soriana Boucle Sofa & Chair Set Mid Century Modern
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Up for sale is this stunning Tobia Scarpa for Cassina set of three Soriana pieces, which include the sofa, chair and cocktail table. All are in excellent vintage condition including ...
Upholstery
Sold
H 25.6 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Soriana sofa, 3 seats, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, circa 1970
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Soriana, designed in 1969 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, features abundant curves and is wrapped in generous upholstery that is secured by a large metal clamp to form soft folds around th...
Textile