Artona 'Africa' Dining Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa - 1970

Description

Burl wood dining table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1975 Postmodern chic piece of the Artona collection by Maxalto. 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. This eight-drawers dresser was designed during the first period of the Artona collection, it combines the edging in solid striped walnut and the use of a high quality leather covering on the front. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied on the Venice Institute of Architecture. Tobia first worked for the Italian glass manufacturer Venini. From 1960 on the couple opened their own design office. Their work includes architecture and everyday items like furniture and clothing. Tobia & Afra designed for numerous major Italian and international companies like Flos, Gavina, B&B Italia, Cassina, Knoll International and many interior projects for numerous companies worldwide. Literature: Mastropietro, Mario and Rolando Gorla, An industry for design. The Research, Designers and Corporate Image of B&B Italia. Milan: Edizioni Lybra Immagina, 1999, p. 492 - 493 (variation).