Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Large Dining Table in Walnut

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' dining table, walnut, walnut burl, lacquered wood, brass, ebony, Italy, 1975/1979

This table was designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa within the ‘Artona’ line for Maxalto. This particular model is rare. The base is composed of two rectangular blocks executed in black lacquered wood and accentuated with brass details. The top has round edges with the typical dynamic lines that characterize the pieces designed within the ‘Artona’ line. The walnut burl is very pronounced, showcasing expressive grains, knots, and a variety of wood tones.

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) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa are a duo of Italian architects and designers mostly known for their postmodern style. Afra Bianchin was born in 1937 in Montebelluna while Tobia Scarpa, son of the architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in 1935 in Venice. The couple met when they were both studying at the Venice Institute of Architecture and married afterwards. From 1957 until 1961, Tobia worked as a glass designer at the Murano glassworks of Venini. However, in 1960, the duo started to collaborate, and they set up one of the most successful and well-known professional studios. Together, they worked for companies such as Flos Gavina, B&B Italia, and Knoll. The couple won numerous amounts of awards like the Compasso d’Oro and the International Forum Design. Throughout their career, the duo carried out commissions for well-known companies, including Benetton. Overall, their designs are known for their modernist aesthetic, prioritizing elegance and comfort. However, at the same time, their pieces are admired for the ease with which they lean towards classical designs. Moreover, the creations show their deep understanding for materials. Today, many of their works can be found in major museums such as Museum of Mod­ern Art of New York, Musée du Lou­vre, National Museum of Design New York and many more.

Please note that this item is in good, used condition.

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