Afra and Tobia Scarpa Artona Walnut Wall Unit with Glass Vitrine for Maxalto

Description

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, ‘Artona’ highboard consisting of cabinet with vitrine, walnut, burlwood, lacquered wood, brass, glass, leather, Italy, 1975/1979
This substantial sideboard with concealed and transparant compartments is a design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, developed within the acclaimed Artona line. The structure appears divided into several sections, with the outermost cabinets covered with solid doors in burlwood, and the central unit offering open shelves and a vitrine. The faceted glass doors reflect the sideboard’s dual role as both storage and display furniture.
The sideboard’s wooden frame exhibits clean, vertical and horizontal lines, emphasizing the symmetry and balance of the design. The distinctive Artona lines, seen as black accents running along the length of the wooden components, add an element of elegance to the design and highlight the exceptional craftsmanship behind the piece.
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.

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