Carlo Scarpa was born in Venice in 1906 and became one of the leading figures of architecture and international design during the 20th century. At merely 21 years old — and still a student at the Academy of Fine Arts — Scarpa began working as a designer for master Murano glassmaker M.V.M. Cappellin. Within a few years, he completely revolutionized the approach to art glass.
In a short time, under the guidance of Scarpa, the Capellin furnace not only established itself as the top glass company, but above all it introduced modernity and international fame to Murano glassmaking. Scarpa created a personal style of glassmaking, a new vision that irreversibly changed glass production.
The young Scarpa experimented with new models and colors: his chromatic combinations, impeccable execution and geometric shapes became his modus operandi. Thanks to Scarpa’s continuous research on vitreous matter, Cappellin produced a series of high-quality glass objects, that saw the company revisiting ancient processing techniques such as the watermark and Phoenician decoration.
When he encountered the challenge of opaque glass, Scarpa proposed introducing textures of considerable chromatic impact, such as glass pastes and glazed glass with bright colors. Scarpa also collaborated in the renovation of Palazzo da Mula in Murano, the home of Cappellin. At the academy, he obtained the diploma of professor of architectural design and obtained an honorary degree from the Venice University Institute of Architecture of which he was director.
In 1931, Scarpa's collaboration with Cappellin ended, following the bankruptcy of the company because it was not able to withstand the economic crisis linked to the Great Depression. But Scarpa did not go unnoticed by Paolo Venini — in 1933, the young designer became the new artistic director of the biggest glass company in Murano.
Master glassmakers thought Scarpa's projects and sketches were impossible, but the passionate and curious designer always managed to get exactly what he wanted. Until 1947 he remained at the helm of Venini & Co., where he created some of the best known masterpieces of modern glassmaking. Scarpa’s work with Venini was characterized by the continuous research on the subject, the use of color and techniques that he revisited in a very personal way, and the development of new ways of working with master glassmakers.
At the beginning of the 1930s, "bubble", "half filigree" and "submerged" glass appeared for the first time on the occasion of the Venice Biennale of 1934. A few years later, at the Biennale and the VI Triennale of Milan, Venini exhibited its lattimi and murrine romane pieces, which were born from a joint idea between Scarpa and Paolo Venini.
In 1938 Scarpa increased production, diversifying the vases from "objects of use" to sculptural works of art. In the same year he laid the foundation for the famous "woven" glass collection, exhibited the following year. In the subsequent years, Scarpa–Venini continued to exhibit at the Biennale and in various other shows their the "black and red lacquers," the granulari and the incisi, produced in limited series, and the "Chinese," which was inspired by Asian porcelain.
Scarpa's creations for Venini garnered an international response and were a great success, leaving forever an indelible mark on the history of glassmaking. The last Biennale in which Carlo Scarpa participated as artistic director of Venini was in 1942. He left the company five years later.
The time that Scarpa spent in the most important glass factory in Murano would attach a great artistic legacy to the company. His techniques and styles were resumed in the postwar period under the guidance of Tobia Venini, Paolo's son. In the 1950s, after the departure of Scarpa, Fulvio Bianconi was the new visionary at the Biennials with Venini.
On 1stDibs, vintage Carlo Scarpa glass and lighting are for sale, including decorative objects, tables, chandeliers and more.
(Biography provided by Ophir Gallery Inc.)
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' Single Beds in Padouk and Leather
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 'Toledo' single beds, padouk, maple, leather, metal, Italy, 1975 Created by the Italian master Carlo Scarpa, this bed clearly demonstrates his studies...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini '795' Library in Metal and Walnut
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, library or wall unit, model '795', walnut, metal, Italy, design 1935, edition made in 1980s Stunning library designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini. This wal...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa & Hiroyuki Toyoda for Simon Gavina Large 'Gritti' Table 410cm
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa, Hiroyuki Toyoda
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa and Hiroyuki Toyoda for Simon Gavina, 'Gritti' dining or conference table, reupholstered leather, chromed steel, brass, Italy, design 1973 The Gritti table was original...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Green Venini & C., Murano Sommero a Bollicine Bowl by Carlo Scarpa c.1930s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Oakland, CA
Venini & C., Murano glass Sommero a Bollicine bowl c.1930s designed by architect Carlo Scarpa (1902-1978). Bubbly overlaid glass colorless and green with bursts of bubbles. A rounded...
Art Glass
Poliedri Chandelier Carlo Scarpa 1950 Venini Murano Glass Celeste and Yellow
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Chandelier By Venini Carlo Scarpa 1950 Poliedri
Metal
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table for Cassina, Lacquered MDF, Aluminum, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Armchair by Cassina, Upholstered, Mid-Century
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Armchair Manufactured by Cassina SCULPTURAL ELEGANCE A favourable balance between geometric rigour and enveloping shapes designe...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Upholstered, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Three Seater Sofa Manufactured by Cassina SCULPTURAL ELEGANCE Geometric austerity encounters enveloping padding in this sofa designed by maestro Carlo Scarpa ...
Metal
$24,388 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' Single Bed in Padouk and Leather
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 'Toledo' single bed, padouk, maple, leather, metal, Italy, 1975 Created by the Italian master Carlo Scarpa, this bed clearly demonstrates his studies ...
Metal
Large Tessuto Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Tessuto Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Item e7111 A rare example of the 'Tessuto' series designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1940. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice. Thin v...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Dining Chair in Walnut and Black Leather
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, dining chair, model '765', walnut veneer, leather, designed in 1934, produced in 1977. This well-proportioned chair is designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1934, a...
Leather, Walnut
Early Carlo Scarpa Quatour Table for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Early and Large version Carlo Scarpa Quatour table for the Metamobile series by Simon Gavina, Italy 1974.
Wood, Pine
$5,510Sale Price|20% Off
"Tessuto Velato", Iconic Vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Bochum, NRW
A "tessuto velato" iconic piece by Carlo Scarpa for Venini. Clear glass with green and black or green and white, vertically fused threads.(essuto). Opaque surface matt finish, horiz...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
$10,641 / item
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by the in...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Dining Table for Cassina, Lacquered Aluminum
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size. Available sizes: 241x77 240x92 280x92 FASTENERS: Cast satin finish aluminum. FRAME TOP: MDF boards covered with a coat of mirr...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa Doge Dining Table in Metal with Marble or Glass for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size. Available sizes: 260X102cm 220X110cm 346X102cm 306X102cm Available materials: MARBLE: MARQUINA MARBLE CARRARA MARBLE GLASS: ...
Marble, Metal
$26,603Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Zibaldone bookcases by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic bookcases designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1974. Signed Bernini in brass details. The bookcases have 3 compartments: two accessible thanks to the sliding glass by mea...
Glass, Wood
Venini & C., Murano Sommero a Bollicine Bowl by Carlo Scarpa c.1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Oakland, CA
Venini & C., Murano glass Sommero a Bollicine bowl c.1930s designed by architect Carlo Scarpa (1902-1978). Bubbly overlaid glass colorless and red with bursts of gold foil. A rou...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
A signed Venini "Poliedri" chandelier with glass diffusers, Italy, 1950s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A suspended chandelier composed of blown-glass diffusers, model “Poliedri,” design by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1960s. Through his work, Carlo Scarpa was able to create a lang...
Metal
Quatour Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The Quatour Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa is a stunning example of the Italian architect’s mastery of form and material. This version features a matte black oil finish with a subtle b...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table for Cassina, Aluminum & MDF, Modern Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by...
Aluminum
"Orseolo" Black Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy 70s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Carlo Scarpa "Orseolo" black table for Simon, 1972. Table, polyester varnished with mirror polished finish, made for the assembly of thick, elementary geometric panels with satin-fi...
Wood
1950s Drum Venini pale green blue and clear poliedri chandelier by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
A vintage large drum cylindrical shaped Poliedri chandelier. Pale green, blue and clear color Poliedri glass components on one silver lacquered metal structure designed by Carlo Sc...
Metal
Vetro Sommerso Bowl by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vetro Sommerso Bowl by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1930s A vetro sommerso bollicine bowl designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1936. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice in the 1930s....
Art Glass
$10,926Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Poliedri wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini 1958
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large Poliedri wall lamps designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1958 for Venini glassworks. Painted metal frame, blown glass in transparent and smoky tones, in the rare version consisting of ...
Iron
Tavolo modello gritti di carlo scarpa per simon gavina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Ghedi, IT
Tavolo “Gritti” – Carlo Scarpa per Simon Gavina Progettato nel 1976 dall’architetto veneziano Carlo Scarpa in collaborazione con Simon International (l’etichetta di Dino Gavina dedic...
Leather
Large unique mid-century Murano chandelier Poliedri by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful, unique and original Murano chandelier designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. With soft yellow, ligt blue and transparent slightly iridescent ...
Metal
$18,409 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Aluminum
Beautiful light green mouth-blown Murano vase by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Italy
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in München, BY
Beautiful 1960s light green hand-blown Murano glass vase by Carlo Scarpa. Manufacturer: Venini. Made in Italy. The bottom is engraved with "Venini Murano Italia". Very beautiful, hi...
Murano Glass
Set of Six Carlo Scarpa 1934/765 Walnut Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of Six Carlo Scarpa 1934/765 Walnut and Brown Leather Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977 765 is planned by Carlo Scarpa in 1934, year from which the chair will take subsequently th...
Leather, Walnut
Rare Venini 1930 Carlo Scarpa Brass Diamond Glass Applique
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
rare and elegant Murano Glass wall sconce with Diamante pattern glass and Brass parts probably created by Carlo Scarpa for Venini.
Brass
Venini Carlo Scarpa Chandelier Poliedri Murano Light Bluend Brass, 1950
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Un iconico lampadario a POLIEDRI, disegnato dal architetto CARLO SCARPA e prodotto dalla vetreria muranese, VENINI, Originale del 1950.
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Three-seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa in Original Mohair Velvet for Simon, Italy, 1970's. Rare early production three-seater Cornaro sofa by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, designed in 1973 f...
Velvet, Wood
Sarpi Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterful example of Carlo Scarpa’s design brilliance, this Sarpi Table was created for Simon Gavina in Bologna, Italy, in 1970. The table features a brushed stainless steel frame ...
Stainless Steel
20th Century, Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Glass Vase from the Corrosi Series
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Turin, Turin
Carlo Scarpa (1906- 1978) was an Italian architect and designer heavily influenced by the history of Venetian culture, materials and landscape. in 1926 obtained his diploma of Profes...
Glass, Murano Glass
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Manzano, IT
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina - Iconic Italian Modernist Design Designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973, the Cornaro seating set for Gavina epitomizes timel...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$24,347 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Aluminum
Valmanara Table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon International - Gavina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Argelato, BO
Carlo Scarpa, “Valmarana” table, 1971-72, in its original bleached Ash version. "Valmarana with its solid and essential design shows Scarpa’s passion for conceiving designs that add...
Wood, Oak
Quatour Wooden Table by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1973
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Large Quatour table with wooden structure and veneered wooden top. Original drawing by Carlo Scarpa. Prod. Gavina, Italy, 1974 cm 165x165x72 Further information Bibliography (edite...
Wood
$11,876 / set
"Kentucky" chair by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Misinto, IT
"Kentucky" chair by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1977 The Kentucky chair is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Carlo Scarpa and the Bernini company, and is a perfect ...
Other
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
Carlo Scarpa Venini Murano Bollicine White Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Sommerso clear white bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass mini vase / vide poche. Documented to the Venini company, and created by master des...
Gold Leaf
Venini Murano Sommerso Glass, Corroso Vase by Carlo Scarpa.
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A "Velato" corrosi surface finish was pioneered by Carlo Scarpa for Venini in the 1930's.
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, circa 1950s. Marked
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
A sculptural hand blow Murano glass mirror by Venini, Italy, circa 1950s. Marked Distinguished by its softly rounded, organic silhouette, the mirror is framed in thick, hand-worked g...
Glass, Mirror
Set of Four "Rialto" Wood Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Milan, IT
Set of four "Rialto" bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina. "In the early 1970s, Carlo Scarpa designed this model for his home. After three years of "enjoyable" discussions, Gavina ...
Wood
Venini Murrine Opache Plate in Red with Black Details by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Murrine Opache plates, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, are available in four different versions. Handmade glass with “murrine” technique. Numbered edition per ye...
Glass
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" 2 seat Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first versio...
Fabric, Wood
Model 795 Bookcase by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
More than just a bookcase but rather a small architectural masterpiece that is the focal point of any space, the Model 795 bookshelf (sometimes called the “Serie 1935” or “Liberia 19...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa dining Table beige travertine and Glass Italy 1970
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Paris, IDF
Model "Samo" table oval slab of clear glass on travertine frame designed by Carlo Scarpa made by Simon in Italy around 1970. Particular version made with natural beige travertine, a...
Travertine
Large and Rare Murano Venini Carlo Scarpa 1930 Donut Chandelier Made in Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare and Unique large Murano Glass Chandelier with Lens Glasses created and made by Venini , in excellent overall condition .
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s)
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s). Tubular rosewood frame. Extraordinarily comfortable and possibly the only one available outside Europe...
Mohair, Wood
$9,121Sale Price|20% Off
Carlo Scarpa. Art Déco Murano glass vanity mirror for Venini, Italy, 1930s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Déco Murano glass vanity mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy 1930s. Round perimeter of "Torciglione" style handmade Murano glass, with polished bronze links, and a central b...
Bronze
Set of 4 first edition Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Sofa's for Simon, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of 4 first edition Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Sofa's for Simon, Italy, 1970's Rare complete set of four Cornaro sofa's by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, designed in 1973 for Simon ...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table for Cassina, Aluminum & Lacquer, Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Orseolo Table For Cassina A modern table but, above all, an absolute masterpiece and unsurpassed model of formal beauty, inspired by...
Aluminum
Venini Murrine Elliptical Opache Plate in Red and Black by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Murrine Opache plates, designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, are available in four different versions. Handmade glass with “murrine” technique. Numbered edition per ye...
Glass
$16,817 / item
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table For Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table For Cassina A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademark of the new ultrarational ...
Aluminum
$18,409 / item
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Aluminum
A pair of Carlo Scarpa Murano chandeliers 'Poliedri' for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful and original pair Murano chandeliers designed by Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. Each with 9 lights. Beautiful design where the advanc...
Metal
Midcentury Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Chandelier for Venini, Murano, Italy, 1960s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Almelo, NL
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Chandelier for Venini, Murano, Italy, 1960s. For sale: One exquisite mid-century Venini Murano glass chandelier...
Metal
Original Glass Poliedri Chandelier by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, c.1960
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
A rare and original green and yellow glass poliedri (polyhedron) chandelier designed by the Italian architect and designer, Carlo Scarpa, c.1960. Produced by the prestigious Murano g...
Steel