SOLD Lounge Chair and Ottoman “Soriana” by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
for Cassina, Italy 1968
Rare lounge chair and ottoman „Soriana“ with original velvet upholstery designed by the designer couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa for the Italian Manufacturer Cassina in 1969. The IDEA of the Soriana was to express a design where a whole bundle of fabric was encapsulated by a metal frame. It was a revolutionary and unique design. This iconic piece won the „Compasso D‘ oro“ award.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa are award winning postmodern Italian architects and designers. Their pieces are in museums across the United States and Europe, including collections in MOMA and the “Louvre museum”. They have won a number of awards such as the “Compasso d’ Oro” in 1969 to the “International forum design”in 1992.
The couple was influenced by Tobia’ s father, “Carlo Scarpa”, he was a Venetian architect too. Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna, Italy in 1937 and Tobia Scarpa was born in Venice in 1935. Both earned degrees in architecture from the University IUAV in Venice in 1957. In the beginning, from 1957 to 1961 Tobia worked as a glass designer at the Murano glassworks of Venini, and later in 1960 opened his design office in Montebelluna with Afra.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa have collaborated with companies such as “B&B Italia” and “Knoll International”. They designed for Gavina, in facts we can remember the famous sofa named “Bastiano” that was created in 1961. So, their most notable works are for B&B Italia, such as the “Coronado” sofa (1966). Talking about their work with Cassina it’ s impossible to forget the armchair “Soriana” (1968). Cassina S.p.A. (established in 1927) is an Italian furniture manufacturer that has specialized in designer-led and high-quality furniture.
Originally known as “Figli Amedeo Cassina” or “Amedeo Cassina,” the company was founded by brothers Cesare and Umberto Cassina in 1927 in Meda, Lombardy. Their original home furnishing line included chairs, tables, sofas, armchairs, and beds. Today, Cassina has added outdoor furniture, cabinetry, and rugs to its product line, and it is part of the Poltrona Frau Group since 2005, which is owned by Haworth, Inc. since 2014.
Designer: Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Manufacture: Cassina
Materials and Techniques: chrome, velvet
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of Manufacture: 1968
Period: 1960 – 1969
Height: 63 cm, Width: 90 cm, Depth: 125 cm
Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
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