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Conversano, ItalyOn Whoppah since October 2024 • 0 sales
Product description
Stunning and very rare "Artona 8551" armchair designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by Maxalto in the early 1980s.
The armchair is entirely upholstered in ultra-soft biscuit-colored leather and is in excellent condition. It features intricate stitching reminiscent of vintage luxury car seats.
This is an extremely rare version, currently unique on the market, without wheels and without armrests, and with the characteristic open-back cut—an iconic design element typical of the Scarpa duo. A rarer collectible piece than the better-known “Africa” model.
Minor signs of age on the leather, as shown in the photos, enhance its authenticity and give it a beautiful, lived-in patina.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa were an Italian design duo known for their work in architecture and industrial design. Afra Bianchin Scarpa (1937–2011) and Tobia Scarpa (born in 1935) worked together both as life partners and professional collaborators, forming one of the most prolific and influential duos in 20th-century Italian design.
Both graduated in architecture from the Iuav University of Venice, where they studied under renowned architects such as Carlo Scarpa (Tobia’s father) and Giuseppe Samonà. After their studies, they began working together in Carlo Scarpa’s studio, where they had the opportunity to develop their own refined and distinctive style.
Their collaboration led to numerous iconic projects in furniture and interior design, often characterized by timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail. Their works were produced by leading brands such as B&B Italia, Cassina, and Flos.
Throughout their careers, Afra and Tobia Scarpa received numerous awards and honors, further cementing their status as pioneers of contemporary design. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of designers and design enthusiasts around the world.
Maxalto is an Italian company specializing in high-quality furniture and contemporary design. Founded in 1975 as a subsidiary of the renowned brand B&B Italia, Maxalto is known for producing elegant and sophisticated furniture marked by refined aesthetics and attention to detail.
The name "Maxalto" comes from a combination of two Italian words: "Massimo" (maximum) and "Alto" (high), reflecting the company's commitment to offering superior products in both design and materials.
Maxalto collaborates with some of the most acclaimed international designers to create iconic pieces that harmoniously blend function and aesthetics. Designers such as Antonio Citterio, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and many others have contributed to the brand’s success.
Maxalto’s furniture is often made from fine materials like solid wood, high-quality leather, and meticulously finished metals. The company is known for combining artisanal tradition with innovative technologies, resulting in durable furniture with strong visual impact.
Thanks to its well-established reputation in the luxury furniture sector, Maxalto remains a preferred choice for those seeking high-end design pieces to enrich living and working spaces.
Additional details:
- Colour: biscuit
- Period: 1980s
- Dimensions: i : Altezza: 78 cm (30,71 in) Larghezza: 58 cm (22,84 in) Profondità: 54 cm (21,26 in) Materiali e tecnic