Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Goppion 'Bisante S1' Chair in Black Leather and Steel

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Goppion, 'Bisante S1' chair, leather, steel, Italy, 1980s

The Bisante S1 chair, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Goppion, made in Italy in the 1980s. This design features a distinctive X-frame base in black painted metal, imparting the piece with a clean and balanced silhouette. The seat and backrest are made from black leather with subtle curved stitching that adds a touch of detail to the minimalist design. Practical and visually appealing, the S1 chair reflects the Scarpa duo’s thoughtful approach to form and function, with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship. A great example of refined Italian design from the era.

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 the chair is in good, used condition with wear marks. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.