Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Chest of Drawers in Black Leather and Walnut

Afra & Tobia Scarpa, chest of drawers, walnut, leather, Italy, 1975/1979

This chest of drawers with a front in black leather was designed as part of the ‘Artona’ line by Afra & Tobia Scarpa. It features a top. Eight drawers are covered with black leather that adds a beautiful, soft touch to the design. Like typical for the ‘Artona’ line the wood features dark lines that add a certain elegance to the design and testify great craftsmanship. The frame and top in walnut wood features a wonderful, natural grain.

The ‘Artona’ line by the Scarpa duo was in fact the first line ever produced by Maxalto, the specialist division of B&B Italia. Maxalto was originally set up in 1975 as a high-end division of B&B Italia to focus exclusively on the production of artisanal, mostly wood furniture. The ‘Artona’ was their first project and also functions as a counter-message against the common prevailing use of plastics in furniture design during the Postwar period.

Afra (1937–2011) and Tobia (1935–) Scarpa are a renowned duo of Italian architects and designers, celebrated for their contributions to postmodern design. Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna in 1937, while Tobia Scarpa, the son of prominent architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in Venice in 1935. The two met while studying at the Venice Institute of Architecture and later married. Tobia initially worked as a glass designer at the Murano glassworks of Venini from 1957 to 1961. However, in 1960, the pair began collaborating professionally and went on to establish one of the most successful design studios of their time. Their collaborations included work for prestigious companies such as Flos, Gavina, B&B Italia, and Knoll. Throughout their career, the couple received numerous accolades, including the Compasso d’Oro and recognition from the International Forum Design. They also took on high-profile commissions for companies like Benetton. Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s designs are admired for their modernist aesthetic, which blends elegance with comfort. At the same time, their work is known for its subtle nods to classical design and their deep understanding of materials. Today, many of their iconic creations are housed in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Musée du Louvre, and the National Museum of Design in New York.

Kindly note that this item is in used condition and is in need of restoring. Please reach out to our design specialists for further information on the endless possibilities regarding restoration in our in-house atelier.