Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Artona” Large Console for Maxalto, 1975
Description
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Artona” Large Console for Maxalto, walnut and leather, Italy, 1975
Part of the inaugural “Artona” series by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, this large console exemplifies the duo’s deep engagement with material tactility and architectural rhythm. Its elongated form rests on two planar end supports, while the drawers are discreetly integrated beneath a subtly curved top. Crafted in walnut veneer with ebony inlays, the piece reflects the Scarpas’ fascination with serial geometry and artisanal joinery.
The “Artona” collection was pivotal in shaping Maxalto’s identity as a high-end laboratory within the B&B Italia group, emphasizing limited-edition craftsmanship over industrial seriality. Here, the refined use of contrasting woods not only enhances visual rhythm, but also reinforces the Scarpas’ commitment to tactile richness. The absence of overt ornamentation allows the sculptural volume and refined details—such as the recessed drawer pulls and horizontal grain orientation—to emerge in quiet harmony.
In line with the work of contemporaries like Carlo Scarpa and Mario Bellini, this console bridges rational design and expressive craftsmanship. It stands as a manifesto of the Scarpas’ design philosophy: architecture in miniature, where proportions, textures, and voids are orchestrated with precision and warmth.
Dimensions
Height: 32.87 in (83.5 cm)
Width: 120.08 in (305 cm)
Depth: 17.13 in (43.5 cm)
Design
1975
Manufacture
1970-1979
Material
Walnut and leather
Condition
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