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

Afra & Tobia Scarpa, chest of drawers, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s

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’ line was their first project and also functioned as a counter-message against the common prevailing use of plastics in furniture design during the postwar period.

Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935) Scarpa both studied on the Venice Institute of Architecture. Tobia first worked for the Italian glass manufacturer Venini. From 1960 on the couple opened their own design office. Their work includes architecture and everyday items like furniture and clothing. Tobia & Afra designed for numerous major Italian and international companies like Flos, Gavina, B&B Italia, Cassina, Knoll International and many interior projects for numerous companies worldwide.

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.

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