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.
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.
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 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.)
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 Afra & Tobia Scarpa lounge chairs, dining chairs, floor lamps and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa “Foglio” wall light, 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
Pair of ‘Butterfly’ Sconces by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Flos
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of "Butterfly" Sconces by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, circa 1980s A discontinued and increasingly sought-after sconce, this fan-form wall light by Afra and Tobia Sca...
Metal
White Foglio Sconce by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall lamp in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE .
Metal
Pair of Quarto Wall Lamps Designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, Italy 70s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lucija, SI
Pair of mid century Quarto wall lamps designed by Tobia and Afra Scarpa and produce by Flos Perfect condition
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Tamburo Indoor / Outdoor Wall Lamp for Flos 1970s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Tobia Scarpa Tamburo Green Indoor / Outdoor Wall Lamp for Flos 1970s Old New Stock. Excellent condition.
Metal
Sconce model "Butterfly" by Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sconce model "Butterfly" Italy, 1980s Manufactured by Flos Iron, Metal, Fabric, Glass Measurements 47 x 20 x 53h cm 18,5 x 7,9 x 20,9h in Details Manufacturer’s stamp Literature...
Metal, Iron
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Bollo, Applique, Flos, 1979
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Paris, FR
Afra & Tobia Scarpa (1935-2011 & 1935-) « Bollo » A light grey and black lacquered metal wall light in the form of a fan. Supported with a pierced cylinder whose circular section f...
Metal
Set of 2 rare OTI Sconces by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 2 sets avalaible
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Metal
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Metal
Flos, vintage set of two Quarto sconces by Afra e Tobia Scarpa. Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Catania, CT
Fair vintage condition with normal trace of age and use but a slight deformation on the upper part of the clear polycarbonate frame. No chips or cracks. Full working with EU standard...
Metal
Flos, pair of Quarto wall lamps by Afra e Tobia Scarpa. Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Catania, CT
Poor vintage condition with evident trace of age and use included some loss of lacquer. One lamp has a slight deformation on the upper part of the clear polycarbonate frame, the othe...
Metal
White metal sconce, applique Foglio by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Flos 60s, 70s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Padova, IT
FLOS - Foglio, a historic piece from the Flos catalog designed by Tobia Scarpa, is a wall lamp with direct/indirect and partially diffused light with a steel structure. Born in Venic...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Bollo, Pair of Wall Lights, Flos, 1979
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Paris, FR
Afra & Tobia Scarpa (1935-2011 & 1935-) « Bollo » A white and a black and white lacquered metal wall lights in the form a fan. Supported with a pierced cylinder whose circular sect...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Bollo, Wall Light, Flos, 1979
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Paris, FR
Afra & Tobia Scarpa (1935-2011 & 1935-) « Bollo » A red and a black lacquered metal wall light in the form a fan. Supported with a pierced cylinder whose circular section forms a b...
Metal
White Foglio Sconce by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall lamp in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Repainted. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE .
Metal
Nictea Pendant by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The Nictea pendant is composed of two rounded sections, seamlessly connected by carefully integrated metal components that are central to its design. Light gently passes through the ...
Brass, Chrome
$4,500 / set
H 17.13 in Dm 8.67 in
Set of Two "Bilobo" Pendant Lamps by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1970s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
Rare set of two "Bilobo" Pendant lamps by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Pendant lamps, giving diffused light, fitted with metalized glass diffuser. Anodized aluminium support with a sprin...
Aluminum
$1,148 / 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
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
"Foglio" Wall Sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
The "Foglio" wall sconce by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, an icon of 20th-century Italian design. This lamp stands out for its chrome finish, which adds a touch of modern elegance to any ro...
Metal
Celestia Ceiling Light by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1980/90s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
More than a lighting fixture, the Celestia ceiling lamp is a sculptural presence that reflects Tobia Scarpa’s distinctive approach to design for Flos during the 1980s. Defined by its...
Metal
$2,320 / set
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 3.94 in
Tobia Scarpa Set of Two Foglio Wall Lamp in Nickel Plated Metal by Flos 1966
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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...
Nickel, Metal
Tamburo Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Tamburo lamp, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1973, is a timeless expression of Italian design innovation. Compact yet powerful in character, this lamp reflect...
Metal
$3,248
H 25.99 in W 13.78 in D 17.72 in
Abatina table lamp designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1980s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Milano, IT
Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Flos, the ‘Abatina’ table lamp is a true celebration of the elegance and excellence that defined Italian design in the 1980s. This sophisticat...
Metal
$2,842 / 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 Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
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
Tamburo Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Tamburo lamp, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1973, is a timeless expression of Italian design innovation. Compact yet powerful in character, this lamp reflect...
Metal
$13,342
H 72.05 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Fantasma Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1961
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ‘Fantasma’ floor lamp (translating to ghost in Italian) is a modern and minimalist lighting fixture designed by Italian architect Tobia Scarpa. It was first introduced in 1961 as...
Metal
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Metal
White Foglio Sconce by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall lamp in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Chrome Foglio Sconce by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sconce in chrome metal designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
Chrome Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Sconces in chrome metal designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Metal
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 4.73 in
White Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of sconces in white color metal by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
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 3.94 in
Chrome Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Sconces in chrome metal designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Sold
H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 3.94 in
Chrome Foglio Sconces by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s, set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Sconces in chrome metal designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Model: Foglio. Wear due to time and age of the sconces. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Sold
H 21.66 in W 26.78 in D 6.7 in
Rare white Butterfly wall lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 80s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Milano, IT
Rare “Butterfly” Sconce / Wall Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1980s — Metallic White This rare Butterfly sconce, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos in It...
Metal
Two 'Quarto' model wall sconces by Afra & Tobia Scarpa 1980s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Two vintage indirect light wall lamps made of mirrored metal and plastic material.
Metal
Golden Foglio Wall lamp by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bruxelles, BE
Golden metal wall lamp designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos. Model: Foglio. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal