Afra & Tobia Scarpa Artona Bookcase in Rosewood Mid Century Maxalto 1970
€6,500Bid from €5,850
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Conversano, ItalyOn Whoppah since October 2024 • 0 sales
Product description
A refined and highly architectural piece from Maxalto’s early production, this bookcase beautifully reflects the sophisticated design language developed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa during the 1970s. The “Artona” series is among the most distinctive expressions of the brand’s original identity, combining modernist rigor, luxurious materials, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship.
The structure is crafted from ebony plywood with refined solid rosewood accents, creating a rich contrast of tones and textures. The composition is completed by leather-covered doors and handles, together with tempered glass panels, giving the piece both visual depth and functional elegance. The use of noble materials, carefully balanced proportions, and meticulous detailing makes this bookcase an outstanding example of Maxalto’s artisanal approach during its formative years.
The design combines open display areas with closed storage compartments, making it highly versatile and suitable for living rooms, studios, libraries, or prestigious office interiors. Its clean architectural lines allow it to integrate beautifully within both contemporary and collectible design settings, while its material richness gives it a strong decorative presence.
This model is rarely found on the market and is particularly appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs of Italian 20th-century design. It represents one of the finest examples of the collaboration between Afra and Tobia Scarpa and Maxalto, where functionality, craftsmanship, and refined luxury come together in a timeless piece.
Overall, the bookcase is in excellent vintage condition, with only minimal signs of age and use, especially remarkable considering it is nearly 50 years old. These minor traces are consistent with its period and do not affect its functionality or aesthetic value.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa are among the most influential figures in 20th-century Italian design. Their work is known for its refined balance between architecture, craftsmanship, and material research. Both trained as architects at the Iuav University of Venice, and their design language reflects a deep sensitivity to structure, proportion, and detail. Over the course of their careers, they collaborated with some of the most important Italian design companies, including B&B Italia, Cassina, Flos, Gavina, and Maxalto, creating furniture and lighting pieces that remain icons of modern design.
Founded in 1975 as part of the B&B Italia group, Maxalto was conceived as a brand dedicated to high-end furniture with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, noble materials, and sophisticated forms. The name Maxalto combines the ideas of “maximum” and “high,” reflecting the brand’s pursuit of elevated quality and refined design. The early Maxalto production of the 1970s, including the “Artona” series, stands out for its combination of artisanal cabinetmaking and modern architectural elegance.
Please note that this item is in very good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, consistent with its history and authenticity, but they do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Additional details:
- Material: ebony plywood
- Material: rosewood
- Material: tempered glass
- Period: 1970s
- Dimensions: i : Altezza: 210 cm (82,68 in) Larghezza: 155 cm (61,03 in) Profondità: 35 cm (13,78 in) Stile : Mid
Specifications
CategoryBookcasesConditionVery goodMaterialLeatherStyleMid Century ModernBrand / designerScarpa (Afra & Tobia)BrandMaxaltoHeight210 cmWidth155 cmDepth35 cmSeller locationConversano, ItalyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup