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.)
Rare Large Pair of Carlo Scarpa Reticello Murano Glass Sconces for Venini, 1940s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Rare Large Pair of Carlo Scarpa Reticello Murano Glass Sconces for VeniniAn exceptionally rare and unusually large pair of wall sconces designed...
Brass
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 Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
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
Rare Carlo Scarpa for Venini "Mezzo Diamante" Murano Glass Sconces, 1940s Pair
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare pair of Murano glass wall sconces attributed to Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, circa 1940, showcasing one of the master's most celebrated surface treatments: t...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa Dining Table for Bernini, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Carlo Scarpa Dining Table for Bernini, Italy, 70s This table is designed by Carlo Scarpa, a renowned Italian architect and designer. The table features a minimalist and elegant desi...
Wood
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' Single Bed in Padouk and Leather
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
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
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
Large unique mid-century Murano chandelier Poliedri by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini
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
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
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 rou...
Art Glass
Venini Rare Rectangular Treccia Murano Glass Wall Mirror Model No. 66 circa 1939
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini rare rectangular wall mirror model no. 66 in clear a treccia Murano glass, brass and silvered mirror glass, Murano, Italy, circa 1939. An exceptional early V...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table for Cassina, Aluminum Base, Mid-Century Italy
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa « Cornaro » by Carlo Scarpa, Italy, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa « Cornaro » by Carlo Scarpa, Italy, 1973 Burnt orange color
Fabric, Wood
Early Carlo Scarpa Quatour Table for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Milan, IT
Early and Large version Carlo Scarpa Quatour table for the Metamobile series by Simon Gavina, Italy 1974.
Wood, Pine
Rare Carlo Scarpa for Venini Chandelier in Crystal 'Corteccia' Glass
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Venini, chandelier, crystal ‘Corteccia’ glass, steel, Italy, 1930s This very rare chandelier by Carlo Scarpa for Venini features a broad, shallow bowl in beautifull...
Steel
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
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 Sarpi Dining Table for Cassina, Glass & Metal, Italy, New
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen size. Available sizes: 213 x 133 (octogonal shape) 213 x 163 (oval shape) 220 x 110 (rectangular) 150 x 150 (square) 200 x 200 (square) 200 x 200 ...
Metal
$25,651Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Zibaldone Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of 'Scuderia' Bookcases by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Italy, 1974 Iconic pair of bookcases designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini in 1974, showcasing the architect's refined approac...
Glass, Wood
1950 "Filigrana" Carlo Scarpa Venini Italian Design Vetro Murano Ciotola
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brescia, IT
Ciotola Carlo Scarpa Venini, Murano Italy, 1950 Vetro "Filigrana" Rosso Perfette condizioni
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa, La Mina Vase, Corroso Glass, Venini, Murano, Italy 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Bochum, NRW
Murano Glass Vase 'La Mina' Vase designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini in 1936. Corroded iridized surface glass vase with protuberances "bugne". Venini Murano two lines acid signature...
Murano Glass
$20,839Sale Price|20% Off
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
$7,789Sale Price / set|20% Off
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Italian Wood Leather "Kentucky" Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design dining chirs “Kentucky” model designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Bernini from 1977. Natural walnut wood structure, leather seat and back, manu...
Leather, Walnut
Carlo Scarpa Poliedri Ceiling Lamp for Venini in Yellow and Grey, Italy 1950s
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Carlo Scarpa Murano Glass Poliedri ceiling lamp for Venini in yellow and Grey, Italy 1950s.
Metal
Carlo SCARPA designed Polyhedron Chandelier by VENINI, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Chandelier with green/ clear glass, designed by Carlo Scarpa, Italy. Originally designed for Venini. Polyhedron chandelier with metal frame and polyhedron green and clear glass piec...
Metal
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
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
Highboard in Walnut mod. 'Scuderia' by Scarpa for Bernini, Italy 1970's
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Hellouw, NL
Carlo Scarpa approached furniture with the eye of an architect, treating construction, material and detail as parts of one continuous design language. This highboard belongs to his S...
Walnut
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
"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
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
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
Carlo Scarpa & Marcel Breuer for Simon Gavina, “Delfi” Dining Table, Italy
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in amstelveen, NL
Monumental “Delfi” dining table designed by Carlo Scarpa and Marcel Breuer for Simon Gavina as part of the celebrated Ultrarazionale collection. Executed in honed white Carrara mar...
Marble
Venini Murrine Romane Multi-Color Vase by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Murrine Romane vase in multi-color by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. These Murrine are called “roman” due to their graphic signs and because the...
Glass
Carlo Scarpa Rialto Bookcase by Cassina, Ash Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen size of the bookcase. One single element measures 55cm width and 249cm height. Available materials: natural ash, black stained ash, matt lacquered as...
Wood
Rare Set of 9 Carlo Scarpa Reticello Glasses for Venini Murano, 1938
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinarily rare set of nine hand-blown "Reticello" drinking glasses designed by Carlo Scarpa during his earliest years at Venini, Murano, dating to the late 1930s and early 1...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Love Seat in Iroko Wood for Simon, Italy, 1970's
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Loveseat in Iroko Wood for Simon, Italy, 1970's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first version was crafted in s...
Fabric, Leather, Hardwood
$16,215 / 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
Large dining table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Large dining or conference table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970s. The table features a long rectangular top upholstered in beige leather, resting on a refined...
Metal
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
$3,700 / item
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1958-1960 A rare and historically significant wall sconce by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, the Poliedri modules - individual hand-bl...
Steel
Set of twelve Carlo Scarpa 1934/765 Walnut Chairs for Bernini, Italy, 1977
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of twelve 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...
Leather, Walnut
Carlo Scarpa Murano Vase for MVM Cappellin, Italy, 1930s
By MVM Cappelin, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Carlo Scarpa Murano vase for MVM Cappellin, Italy, 1930s.
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa, Set of 6 Wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
All the rigor and geometry of the great Italian designer Carlo Scarpa are expressed in this splendid and rare set of 6 wooden chairs made for Gavina in the early 1970s. An essential...
Wood
Quatour Wooden Table by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina, Tobia 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
Carlo Scarpa Walnut and Leather "Scuderia" Dining Room Set for Bernini, 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Scuderia dining room set, designed by Carlo Scarpa for the Italian manufacturer Bernini in 1977. Composed of 5 mod. 783 “Kentucky” dining chairs...
Leather, Plastic, Walnut
$10,260 / 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
$24,735Sale Price / set|20% Off
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Living Room Set in Lacquered Wood and Fabric by Gavina 1970
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Cornaro living room set is composed of a two-seater sofa with two armchairs, a frame in lacquered wood seat, and a back in padded fabric, with leather ties. Designed by Carlo Scarpa...
Fabric, 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
Carlo Scarpa & Marcel Breuer Naxos Marble “Delfi” Table for Studio Simon, 1969
By Marcel Breuer, Studio Simon, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Delfi” dining table, designed by Carlo Scarpa and Marcel Breuer and produced by the Italian manufacturer Studio Simon in 1969. Made of white Nax...
Marble
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Black Leather, 1934, Set of 2
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" dining chairs for Bernini, black leather, Italy, 1934, set of 2 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production ...
Leather, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Doge Table for Cassina, Aluminum Base, Mid-Century Italy
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
Poliedri Chandelier in Murano Glass by Carlo Scarpa for Venini (First Edition)
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
This elegant chandelier, part of the celebrated Poliedri series designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for the historic Murano glassworks Venini around 1958, represents a masterp...
Murano Glass
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 red with bursts of gold foil. A rou...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
$10,615 / item
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Table For Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Carlo Scarpa Sarpi Table For Cassina Carlo Scarpa designed this design table in 1974, successor to the popular Doge, with which it appears in the ...
Glass
Carlo Scarpa 1934 "765" Dining Chairs for Bernini, Brown Leather, 1934, Set of 6
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa "765" dining chairs for Bernini, 1934, brown leather, set of 6 Initially designed for Scarpa's own Venetian house in 1934, this model came up to production only in 1977...
Leather, Wood
VENINI “Carlo Scarpa “ Poliedri. Chandelier Brass Murano Glass Iron 1955 Italy
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
VENINI Carlo Scarpa.
Murano Glass
"Argo" Oval Dining table by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Green marble table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Model: Argo. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Marble
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