Africa Chair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975

Highly rare so called ‘Africa’ chair designed by Afra e Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Maxalto in Italy in 1975. Afra and Tobia Scarpa were the first ones to create a special series of wooden furniture using old-fashioned methods from cabinet and lute making. One outstanding piece in this collection is the Africa chair which has a beautiful and elegant sculptural effect. Wonderful sculptured backrest with the interesting black lines. Also the position of the feet makes this chair an architectural masterpiece. These chairs in particular catches your eye with the stunning warm brown walnut wood and leather black seats and the intricate details that come from careful craftsmanship. Each chair is unique thanks to the Scarpa’s understanding of wood and their appreciation of the imperfections of the material. Each joint, shade, motif, and detail is worthy of attention. Also the connection of the feet at the back, using a brass connection making it not only practical but elegant at the same time.

Literature; Repertorio Del Design Italiano 195o~2000 Volume 1 Giuliana Gramigna, page 232 The ‘Artona’ line, designed by the Scarpa duo, holds historical significance as it marked the beginning of Maxalto, a specialized branch of B&B Italia. Maxalto, founded in 1975, was dedicated to crafting artisanal, predominantly wooden furniture. The ‘Artona’ series was their first project for Maxalto and also served as a counterpoint to the prevailing trend of using plastics in furniture design during the postwar era. Afra and Tobia Scarpa are award winning postmodern Italian architects and designers. Their pieces can be found in museums across the United States and Europe, including collections in MoMa and the Louvre Museum. They have collaborated with companies such as B&B Italia, San Lorenzo Silver, Molteni, and Knoll International. They have won a number of awards such as the Compasso d’Oro in 1969 to the International Forum Design in 1992. Their design work consists of architecture and everyday household items including, furniture, clothing, interior design, art glass. They focused on the technical and aesthetic possibilities of materials in their designs. The couple was greatly influenced by Tobia’s father, Carlo Scarpa, a Venetian architect and designer.