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.
Pair of "Coronado" Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
A pair of "Coronado" armchairs, designed by Tobia Scarpa in the 1970s and produced by B&B Italia, is an icon of Italian vintage design. Made with foam padding, it offers exceptional ...
Leather
Pair of Bastiano Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Bastiano Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
Leather, Wood
Pigreco Armchair Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 60s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lucija, SI
The Pigreco chair is the first product designed by Tobia Scarpa, conceived in 1959 as a graduation project at the end of his studies in architecture at the University of Venice. The ...
Velvet, Walnut
Coronado armchair by Tobia Scarpa Anni 70-80 Production B&B in red leather.
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair with foam padding, leather upholstery.
Leather
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding pair of “Coronado” armchairs, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia (Cassi...
Leather, Foam
$6,000 / set
Pair of Mohair Coronado Armchairs, Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los angeles, CA
Pair of Coronado armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa. Upholstered in brown mohair with loose cushions, Deep, generous proportions balanced by Scarpa’s architectural restraint. A class...
Mohair
Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana limited edition Denim armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s to bring ho...
Metal
Tobia Scarpa, Set of four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood
Tacchini Dialogo Leather & Walnut Armchair by Tobia Scarpa in STOCK
By Tobia Scarpa, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
DIALOGO ARMCHAIR 47x51 CAT. Z - PELLE ANILINA 02 WALNUT STRUCTURE T169 FIRE RETARDANT FOAM CAL117 A rectangular frame with rounded edges, masterful joints, and strictly visible dowe...
Leather, Walnut
Mid Century White Wool "Soriana" Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa Edited by Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of "Soriana" armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Structure in chromed steel and upholstered in bouclé fabric, Italy, 1960s. Afra (1937-2011) and Tobia (193...
Steel
1970s Pair of Pigreco Dining Arm Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina/ Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of Pigreco Armchairs, initially designed by Italian Architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959. The chair was the first product that Tobia ever designed, and it was his graduation...
Steel
Bastiano leather armchair by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 60s, 70s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Padova, IT
When Tobia Scarpa first designed the Bastiano Sofa in 1962, he wanted to provide seating that was sophisticated and elegant, yet casual and comfortable. In keeping with the spirit th...
Beech, Leather
$10,000
H 26.78 in W 83.47 in D 31.11 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Sofa for Gavina, Brown Leather, 1962
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” sofa for Gavina, brown leather, Italy, 1962 The "Bastiano" sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, designed fo...
Leather, Wood
$1,159Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 39.77 in D 36.62 in
Poltrone 'Coronado' di Afra & Tobia Scarpa per C&B Anni 70
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica coppia di poltrone, disegnata dai coniugi Scarpa negli anni '70 con imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in pelle nera. Condizioni Discrete.
Leather
$6,857
H 24.02 in W 21.66 in D 16.93 in
Tobia Scarpa, Set of four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood
$38,160 / set
H 33.47 in W 28.15 in D 33.47 in
Adjustable "Digamma" Armchairs by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina, Italy 1960s
By Ignazio Gardella, Gavina
Located in Utrecht, NL
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of greatest influence of Italian designers. Design in the 60s paved a way to a more aesthetical appro...
Metal
$1,650
H 27.56 in W 40.56 in D 35.83 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Coronado' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Coronado' lounge chair, cognac leather, Italy, 1966 The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B talia. The seat has a...
Leather
$3,885
H 27.56 in W 85.04 in D 33.86 in
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
$9,142 / set
H 29.93 in W 35.44 in D 20.87 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Pair of Armchairs "Bastiano," Italy 1970s
By Knoll, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant pair of club/lounge chairs Model Bastiano, designed by iconic Italian design duo Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy. The chairs have a solid wooden frame and have recently...
Velvet, Wood
$19,500
H 30.5 in W 60 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Boho Tobia Scarpa for B&b Italian Leather “Coronado” Loveseat
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in the iconic comfort and sculptural elegance of this vintage "Coronado" loveseat, a masterpiece designed by Tobia Scarpa for the esteemed B&B Italia. This exquisite piece, a...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
$4,457
H 29.93 in W 84.65 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
$3,300 / set
H 27.56 in W 40.56 in D 35.83 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Pair of 'Coronado' Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, pair of 'Coronado' lounge chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1966 The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B talia. The s...
Leather
$3,950
H 29.14 in W 58.67 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in Teddy Upholstery, Italy, 1960s An iconic design by acclaimed Italian architect and designer Tobia Scarp...
Metal
$10,500
H 26.5 in W 57 in D 36 in
Tobia Scarpa Coronado Sofa in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, Vintage 1975
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
'Coronado' two seat sofa in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by the Italian firm, B&B Italia, circa 1975. The seating are made with a then revolutionary kind of molded polyurethane foam for excellent support and comfort. The 'Coronado', was the first ever seating to be built using this new technique: the foam molds were assembled around an iron frame, resulting in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable product. The present two seater sofa offered in its original cognac leather upholstery preserved in excellent condition. Labels affixed on both pieces read 'Coronado' designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. Afra and Tobia Scarpa designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, accompanied with modern and refined aesthetics. During the 1960's, the couple designed the Bastiano sofa and the Vanessa bed for Gavina and the Soriana armchair and Poltroncina 925 for Cassina, now exhibited in the permanent collection of the MoMA. Among their most famous projects is the ‘Coronado’ sofa, made for B&B Italia in 1966 and recognized as one of the first polyurethane models. Other notable collaborations during this decade included designs with Maxalto, Molteni, Meritalia (the Libertà...
Leather
Bastiano Three-Seater Sofa, by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano Three-Seater Sofa for Gavina, 1960s The iconic Bastiano three-seater sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Gavina in the 1960s, is a fine example of I...
Iron
$3,885 / set
H 27.56 in W 35.83 in D 31.5 in
Italian mid-century modern armchairs Bastiano by Afra Tobia Scarpa Gavina, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchairs Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s Set of two armchairs model Bastiano with seat, backrest and armrests composed of square-shape...
Leather, Wood
Bastiano Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Bastiano sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 1970s. Sofa features a solid black-stained wooden structure and original red upholstered cushions.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 38.98 in D 16.54 in
Poltrona in pelle vintage anni 70 Coronado design Tobia Scarpa per B&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Armchair with metal frame and black leather upholstery, model "Coronado" designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, presenta segni di usura dovu...
Metal
Pair of Coronado Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Coronado armchairs with high backrest designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia. Upholstered in original black leather.
Metal
Tobia Scarpa 'Bastiano' armchairs by Gavina, 1970s - set of 2
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century 'Bastiano' armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa and designed for Knoll/Gavina. These early editions date from the seventies and have their original green fabric with a coo...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 25.99 in W 33.47 in D 37.01 in
A 20th Century "Soriana" Armchair In Brown Fabric By Tobia Scarpa For Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely “Soriana“ armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, made in Italy around the latter part of the 20th century. Finished in a very rare dark brown colour fabric, it is lovely way ...
Metal
Coronado Lounge Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&b Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, C&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Coronado lounge armchaairs chairs by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia ( first edition ) modello Depositato original vintage upholstery. with their Structure made of steel and aluminium. ...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 24.02 in W 21.66 in D 16.93 in
Tobia Scarpa, two Pigreco wooden chairs for Gavina, set of two (1959)
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 36.23 in D 34.26 in
20th Century Pair Of "Coronado" Armchairs By Tobia Scarpa For B&B Italia
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful pair of “Coronado“ armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, crafted in Italy during the latter part of the 20th century. Embracing a refined aesthetic, these ex...
Fabric, Wood
Tobia Scarpa 'Bastiano' armchair by Gavina, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century camel leather and oak frame 'Bastiano' armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa and produced by Gavina. Very comfortable armchairs with perfect patina that give an authentic l...
Leather, Oak
1978 Knoll International Bastiano Oak Black Leather Armchairs Set
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Black leather against this honeyed oak is the most visually pleasing combination option illustrated by The Bastiano chair. The leather is thick and durable, yet soft and pliable. S...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 36.03 in D 27.17 in
Three Bastiano Armchairs in Leather by Tobia Scarpa, Haimi Finland, 1960s
By Haimi, Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Three Bastiano armchairs in leather by Tobia Scarpa for Haimi Finland, from the 1960s. Palisander frame with congac leather seats. Good vintage condi...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
20th Century Red "Coronado" Armchair By Tobia Scarpa For B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful “Coronado“ armchair and footstool by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, made in Italy around the latter part of the 20th century. Finished in a very rare red suede leather, it comes with its matching red footstool...
Leather, Suede
Sold
H 25.6 in W 38.19 in D 39.38 in
Midcentury Modern Pair of Black Leather Soriana Lounge Chairs by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The Soriana armchair, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in the 1960s, epitomizes Italian mid-century modern design. Featuring a chrome-plated steel frame and luxurious leather uph...
Steel
Sold
H 32.68 in W 39.38 in D 29.53 in
1970s Pair of Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa with Rubelli Fabric by Luke Edward Hall
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milan, IT
1970s Pair of Armchairs "Coronado" by Tobia Scarpa with Rubelli Fabric by Luke Edward Hall. This fabric is from Rubelli's "Return to Arcadia" collection designed by Luke Edward Hall....
Fabric
Pair Bastiano Lounge Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1970
By Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Bastiano lounge chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1970. Chairs have been completely restored and reupholstered in a nubby boucle.
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 24.02 in W 21.66 in D 16.93 in
Tobia Scarpa, two Pigreco wooden chairs for Gavina, set of two (1959)
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood