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 - Africa Dining Table Artona Line by Maxalto, Italy in 1975
By Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Max Alto
Located in Munster, NRW
Afra & Tobia Scarpa - Africa Dining Table - 1975 Artona Line for Maxalto, Italy Africa Dining Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from its first owner. Purchased in the 1980s along ...
Wood, Walnut
Tobia Scarpa Mid-century Modern Italian Dining Table "Andrè" for Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
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
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
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
'Andre' Square Dining Table by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hanover, MA
Designed in 1967 for Gavina, the "Andre" dining table by Tobia Scarpa produced by Knoll. Chromed steel frame and chromed tubular steel legs, round black leather pads on top of legs s...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa "Andre" Square Dining Table for Gavina, 1968
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Sacile, PN
Andre square dining table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, dated 1968. Smoked glass top on chrome structure.
Chrome
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
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
Dining Table 'Andre' by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
The 'Andre' dining table, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Italy in 1968 and later manufactured by Knoll International, showcases a sleek, minimalist design with a solid chrome fr...
Chrome
1980's Postmodern Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Andre Dining Table
By Tobia Scarpa, Massimo Vignelli, Piotr Sierakowski, Knoll
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
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
"Andre" dining table by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in BE
This Knoll dining table by Tobia Scarpa features a fume glass top resting on a chrome architectural frame with the original round orange leather pads on each leg. The piece is in goo...
Chrome
$4,099Sale Price|20% Off
Tobia Scarpa, Nice Chrome Design Dinning Table, Circa 1970
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice design dining table is made of a chrome base with a blueish glass on top. This is a model by famous Italian designer Tobia Scarpa, circa 1970.
Chrome
André Coffee Table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Good vintage condition. The table can be viewed in person at our Brooklyn studio, NYC, by appointment only. An iconic Italian modernist coffee table Andre designed by Tobia Scarpa f...
Chrome
$14,805
H 15.75 in W 51.19 in D 51.19 in
Small table series ''Artona'' by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Quarrata, IT
Small table from the series ''Artona'' by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s.
Wood
$43,277 / set
H 30.71 in W 18.5 in D 22.05 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Africa Dining Room Set for Maxalto, 4 Chairs and Table, 1976
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Vicenza, IT
A dining set composed of four “Africa” dining chairs and an “Artona” table, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in 1975. Made of walnut, burl...
Brass
$6,491
H 28.75 in W 66.54 in D 50.79 in L 28.75 in
Mid-Century Artona Dining Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Artona Dining Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
Wood
$16,958
H 27.56 in W 98.43 in D 47.25 in
Large Artona Africa Table by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Rare large Africa Series dining table designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s. An iconic example of late Italian modernism, the table pairs monumental scale with...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Table, Wood, Italian, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Table, Wood, Italian, 1960s
Wood
$4,811Sale Price|35% Off
H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 66.93 in
mAXALTO oval dining table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa Artona series
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Fantastic oval-shaped dining table in burl, walnut, and brass by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. This table designed by the famous designers Afra and Tobia Scarpa was produced by Maxalto. Maxa...
Brass
$558
H 12.6 in W 29.14 in D 29.34 in
Italian mid-century modern coffee table Bastiano Afra Tobia Scarpa Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern coffee table Bastiano Afra Tobia Scarpa Gavina, 1960s Coffee table model Bastiano, made entirely of wood. It features a square top and panel-style side leg...
Wood
$10,000
H 27.17 in W 57.09 in D 57.09 in
Mid Century Modern Dining Table "Africa" by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare and absolutely spectacular Mid Century Modern dining "Africa" designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxlato, as a part of Artona series. It ...
Concrete, Brass
$3,450 / item
H 14.97 in W 44.89 in D 44.89 in
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
$11,000
H 29.53 in W 59.06 in D 51.19 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Tobio' Dining Table in Red Travertine
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Tobio' dining table, leather, red travertine, Italy, design 1974 Gorgeous dining table designed by the iconic duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa....
Travertine
$7,288
H 27.56 in Dm 57.49 in
Round 'Africa' Table by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto Artona Series, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Artona dining table by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, crafted by Maxalto in Italy, 1975. Featuring a round walnut top with dark inlaid lines and a dark black finish, its graphic design is most...
Walnut, Burl
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
$10,800
H 28.15 in W 71.07 in D 32.49 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Rare 'Polygonon' Dining Table
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, dining table 'Polygonon', glass, electro-coated stainless steel, Italy, 1984 Behold this astonishing table with an aesthetically pleasing layout ...
Steel
$3,600
H 28 in W 76 in D 36 in
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
Sold
H 27.56 in W 56.3 in D 39.38 in
Tobia Scarpa "Nibay" extendable teak dining table for Gavina, Italy, 1961
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A versatile extendable teak wood table, model Nibay, designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Gavina, Italy, 1961. It comfortably seats between six and ten people, depending on the c...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa for Gauvina "Andre" Dining Table w/ Smoked Glass Top
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern Andre coffee table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gauvina. The Chrome frame is made of flatbar steel and the legs are made of tubular steel. It has a beautiful smo...
Chrome
Sold
H 26.78 in W 45.28 in D 45.28 in
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 1970s Glass and Polished Steel Dining Table "Andre"
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Torquay, GB
Mid-Century steel and smoked glass dining table by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. Part of the 'Andre' range, circa 1970s. Large sized dining table made of tubular polished steel legs, with...
Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 69.69 in D 30.32 in
André" dining table, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Knoll, Circa 1960
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Renens, CH
Large rectangular table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Circa 1960. The structure is in solid metal and the tabletop is in glass. Dimensions : - W: 177 cm - D : 77 cm - H : 71 cm
Metal
Mid Century 'Andre' Dining Table in Glass & Chrome by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Detroit, MI
This mid century modernist “Andre” square glass and chrome table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International is circa 1970. The table is heavy and solid and exceptionally crafted from premium materials. The sleek design has a clean minimalist aesthetic featuring a steel base with a polished chrome finish, with tubular legs and a geometric criss-cross frame. The glass tabletop is a smoked gray and rests on black leather inserts set on top the four legs. A striking mid century modern table that pairs well with a wide range of modern decor. Use as dining table, kitchen table or office conference room table...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa, Vintage Sculptural Italian Dining Table
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tobia Scarpa: Vintage Sculptural Italian Dining Table Dimensions: 83"w x 40"d x 30"h Designer: Tobia Scarpa Material: European Walnu...
Oak, Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in Dm 55.12 in
Italian Modern Oak and Black Metal Round Table by Tobia Scarpa for Unifor, 1980s
By Unifor, Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern solid oak and black metal round dining table by Tobia Scarpa for Unifor, 1980s Dining table in solid oak 4 cm thick and large ...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Bronzed Andre Dinning Table for Gavina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
Andre dining table by Scarpa, edited by Gavina. This table has a later custom bronze finish. Retain the leather cushions and gliders.
Nickel
Chrome Dining Table by Tobia Scarpa, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
This dining table was designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured in Italy by Gavina in the 1960s. It features a chromed metal base and a frozen glass top. Good condition 19...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa "Andre" Coffee Table for Gavina, 1968
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Sacile, PN
Andre coffee table designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, dated 1968. Smoked green glass top on chrome structure.
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa 'Andre' Dining Table for Knoll, circa 1970
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1967 by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, the "Andre" dining table was part of the bastiano lounge collection acquired and produced by Knoll. Comprising of tubular steel base ...
Chrome, Steel
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll "Andre" Dining Table with Smoked Glass Top
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful dining table with chrome base and smoked glass top. Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll/Gavina.
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa 1967 Andre Dining Table for Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chrome-plated steel base topped by 5/8 inch glass top.
Steel
Period "Andre" Table by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Wilton, CT
"Andre" Mid-century dining table designed by Tobia Scarpa. Manufactured by Knoll. Custom 1/2 inch thick fully bevelled smoked glass top. This table is in mint condition.
Steel
Architectural Chrome Dining Table by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Architectural Chrome Dining Table, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, circa 1960's. The sleek chrome frame has been hand polished to a gleaming shine. Retains original thick glass t...
Chrome