Afra & Tobia Scarpa - Africa Chair Dining Set
1975 for Maxaalto, Italy
Genuine Africa Dining set by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from its first owner. Purchased in the 1980s along with a display cabinet and a console table from the same Artona Line by Maxalto (which you can find in our other listings).
The original Maxalto catalogs are in our possession and will, of course, be included with the purchase. All too often, similar sets on the market are unlicensed replicas - here you have the opportunity to acquire a set that is authentic from top to bottom.
Dimensions Seat
22.04 in W x 18.50 in D x 31.10 in H - Seat height 17.32 in - Seat depth 16.14 in
56 cm W x 47 cm D x 79 cm H - Seat height 44 cm - Seat depth 41 cm
Dimensions Table
27.55 in H - Ø 57.48 in
70 cm H - Ø 146 cm
Price: contact us..
The 1960s and 1970s saw Italian interior design become world renowned and revered.
This set of “Africa” chairs were born from the creative genius of design-duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the mid-1970s.
They are a perfect combination of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic. Part of the Artona line by the Scarpa’s and was also the first line ever produced by Maxalto. The company was originally set up in 1975 as an exclusive branch of B&B Italia to focus solely on the production of artisanal furniture that was primarily crafted from wood.
As we find ourselves in a design era that embraces the nostalgia of the mid-20th century, this set serves as both an homage to the past and a testament to the timeless allure of Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work. In these chairs + table the pattern and grain of the walnut backrests is striking, showing the traces of history in every line and mark.
Sensitive touches enliven the design, visible in the careful craftsmanship and quality of woodworking with impeccable joinery that masterfully utilises nothing but the wood itself. The colour of the leather seats matches the walnut body beautifully, further enhancing the visual appeal. Another impressing element is the centrally placed back leg that continues upwards to form the backrests, highlighting the Scarpas’ architectural expertise. Through its eccentric geometries and expressive forms these chairs are perfect for any interior.
Tobia Scarpa once said “I make things as I know how, and I try to be simple, without arrogance”, a sentiment that is apparent in these chairs.
The emphasis on quality craftsmanship and the use of noble materials like walnut has undeniably left a lasting imprint and solidified the “Africa” model’s legacy in the Italian design landscape...
The Africa dining table is just as meticulously crafted as the chairs - a fact that is often overlooked. Light and dark walnut wood alternate along the edge. The square pedestal is framed at the base by a brass border. Hidden within the base is a concrete counterweight (with a handle) into which the Maxalto logo has been cast.
Dimensions Table
27.55 in H - Ø 57.48 in
70 cm H - Ø 146 cm
The Africa chair is a tribute to the ancient art of cabinetmaking - the frame - a masterpiece of canaletto walnut veneer - to the backrest. Crafted as a single piece and then refined into two mirrored sections, it features delicate hand-finishing that reveals layers of different wood essences, creating marvellous chromatic effects.
The backrest and rear legs form a wide gap that adds flexibility to the seat and evokes a totemic image. Find some photos with the seat cushions removed - the date stamps are located underneath....
