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 & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Wall Unit with Vitrine in Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' highboard consisting of cabinet with vitrine, walnut, burlwood, lacquered wood, brass, glass, leather, Italy, 1975/1979 This substantia...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard in Black Lacquered Wood
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sideboard, walnut, lacquered wood, ebony, brass, Italy, 1975/1979 This sideboard with strong geometrical lines is a design by Afra & Tobia ...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard in Black Leather and Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sideboard, walnut, burlwood, leather, Italy, 1975/1979 This sideboard with a front in black leather was designed as part of the ‘Artona...
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Artona Sideboard by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Artona Sideboard by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
Wood
Mid-Century Afra And Tobia Scarpa Italian Wood Black Lacquer 1970s Sideboard
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Madrid, ES
The sideboard, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s, is a refined example of Italian modern design, combining architectural clarity, luxurious materials, and ou...
Brass
Artona Africa Sideboard by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Artona–Africa Series sideboard designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, the luxury division of B&B Italia. A landmark example of 1970s Italian architectural furniture, the piece ...
Leather, Wood
$3,364
H 34.26 in W 32.29 in D 16.54 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Rosewood Bar Cabinet for Stildomus Mid Century 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Stildomus
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning bar cabinet from the Torcello series, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus in the 1960s - a perfect example of rational and sophisticated Italian design. This collection is known for its masterful use of solid wood, combined with a robust yet refined construction, true to the Scarpas' design philosophy. In this case, the wood is solid rosewood, finely crafted to highlight its natural grain and structural strength. One of the most iconic elements of the Torcello series is the use of exposed aluminum joinery, visible at key junctions between panels. This feature celebrates the precise and refined craftsmanship that defined the work of the Scarpa duo. The clean, geometric lines of this piece allow it to integrate beautifully into elegant, high-end interiors without overwhelming the space. This beautiful bar cabinet features two front doors that open to reveal two sliding compartments with several internal sections, ideal for storing glassware and bottles. This item is in very good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present but do not affect its structure or functionality. We kindly ask you to consider these characteristics before purchasing. Dimensions: Height: 87 cm (34.3 in) Width: 82 cm (32.3 in) Depth: 42 cm (16.5 in) Keywords: Afra and Tobia Scarpa - Torcello Collection - Vintage Italian Bar Cabinet...
Rosewood
$3,016
H 28.35 in W 70.48 in D 24.41 in
Mid-Century Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini, Wood, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini, Wood, Italy, 1970s scratches on the top.
Wood
Artona by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Showcase Bookcase, Maxalto
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Uccle, BE
Bookcase, showcase in walnut veneered laminate. Stiles and shelves made of layers of walnut and hardwood in contrasting colors. The cabinet includes open storage spaces. Two space...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$4,995
H 29.5 in W 64 in D 18 in
William Doezema for Mastercraft Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Credenza, 1970s
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet. By William Doezema for Mastercraft USA, 1970s Beautiful burled Carpathian elm wood, with inlai...
Brass
1970s Italian Sideboard
Located in Praha, CZ
- Body Made of laminate with imitation of wood and Legs are made of Beech wood - Good original condition with minor signs of use
Laminate, Wood, Beech
$8,005 / set
H 55.12 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
2 Leather and Walnut Artona Chests of Drawers by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Padova, IT
Rare and spectacular pair of walnut and leather Artona chests of drawers, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in 1975. The Artona line by the Scarpa duo was in fact the fir...
Leather, Walnut
$2,865Sale Price|35% Off
H 24.81 in W 24.81 in D 12.6 in
Cassettiera con ribaltina anni 70 di Afra e Tobia Scarpa serie Artona Maxalto
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Questa rara cassettiera vintage Maxalto Artona, un'opera d'arte della progettazione anni '70 firmata dai celebri designer italiani Afra e Tobia Sca...
Leather, Wood
Artona Shelf by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Wien, AT
Rare and iconic Artona centerpiece shelving unit by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1975. A masterwork of 1970s Italian design, this exceptional freestanding cabinet was designed...
Wood, Walnut
$3,701
H 29.53 in W 110.24 in D 19.69 in
Large mid century Italian wood minimalist sideboard 1970s 1980s
By Giuseppe Antonio Pianca, Cattelan Italia
Located in Paris, FR
Extra-large, high-end sideboard, 280 cm — Italian style — late 1970s/early 1980s A magnificent, extra-large sideboard with an elegant and timeless design, dating from the late 1970s...
Metal
$8,138Sale Price|20% Off
H 55.12 in W 24.41 in D 24.41 in
Rare Afra e Tobia Scarpa jewellery and accessories cabinet
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and seldom found jewellery and accessory walnut cabinet possibly crafted uniquely for a private collector by Afra and Tobia Scarpa . The cabinet is compact when closed m...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard, 1970s
Wood
Mid-century Modern Italian Brass and Teak Sideboard, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Mid-century Italian four-door sideboard with breadstick detailing, a black glass top, and brass finishes. Fully restored and ready to furnish your home.
Brass
Afra Tobia Scarpa Maxalto sideboard pair Italy 1975
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A rare and beautifully original pair of Artona model 7521 and 7522 sideboards, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by Maxalto in Italy in 1975. Conceived as complementary ...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 36.03 in W 98.82 in D 18.12 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard Red Lacquer and Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, sideboard, walnut, red lacquered wood, ebony, Italy, 1970s This sideboard with strong geometrical lines is designed as part of the ‘Artona’ line by ...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 32.29 in W 63.78 in D 17.33 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus 'Torcello' Sideboard in Walnut
By Stildomus, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus, 'Torcello' sideboard, walnut, aluminum, Italy, 1964. The 'Torcello' model is a rare find and is produced by the Italian company Stildomus, a furni...
Aluminum
Sold
H 33.27 in W 95.28 in D 16.54 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus 'Torcello' Sideboard in Walnut
By Stildomus, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus, 'Torcello' sideboard, walnut, aluminum, 1964 The 'Torcello' model is a rare find and is produced by the Italian company Stildomus, a furniture com...
Aluminum
Sold
H 27.96 in W 70.67 in D 17.72 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Sideboard Model 'Artona' in Walnut and Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, sideboard model 'Artona', walnut, leather, Italy, circa 1975 This sideboard with leather front is designed as part of the Artona line by The Artona line by th...
Leather, Walnut
Afra and Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Cabinet
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' cabinet, walnut and four leather doors, Italy, circa 1975. This sideboard with black lacquered dra...
Leather, Walnut
Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Pair of Nightstands
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, pair of side tables, walnut, burl, ebonized wood and brass, Italy, 1975 A pair of night stands by Afra and Tobias Scarpa for Maxalto. The nightstands feature a flip-top to turn the pieces in side tables. The semi-circular nightstands...
Brass
Sold
H 28.35 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Midcentury Wood Leather Artona Sideboard
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design credenza sideboard from the Artona series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Maxalto, made of veneer laminated walnut slats. The lay...
Leather, Walnut
Sideboard by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Sideboard by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy, 1970s
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 82.68 in D 19.89 in
Artona-Africa Sideboard by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Greding, DE
Long sideboard, Artona-Africa model, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s. The sideboard features a smooth wooden frame and recessed inner sliding doors in a so...
Wood
Afra e Tobia Scarpa Artona sideboard Maxalto Italy 1975
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful Artona sideboard designed by Afra e Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Maxalto, Italy 1975. It has a stunning intricate burl wood top which is a bit wider than the cabinet an...
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Sold
H 33.08 in W 55.12 in D 20.87 in
1980s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Black Leather and Walnut Wood Sideboard, 140x53cm
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in IT
Sideboard by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from the 1980s made of walnut and leather. The sideboard has a multi-layered elm-root top, the front is made of black leather and the frame is ma...
Leather, Walnut