Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Africa" Walnut Dining Table for Maxalto, Italy 1975 (sold)

















Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Africa" Walnut Dining Table for Maxalto, Italy 1975 (sold)
The 1960s and 1970s saw Italian interior design become world renowned and revered. This “Africa” table was born from the creative genius of design-duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the mid 1970s. The piece perfect combination of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic.
As we find ourselves in a design era that embraces the nostalgia of the mid-20th century, this table serves as both an homage to the past and a testament to the timeless allure of Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work. The tabletop showcases the pattern and grain of the walnut, highlighting 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 the wood. The geometrical details on the rim of the tabletop perfectly complement the roundness of the piece, visually balancing the design. Another standout element of this table is the burl wood pattern displayed. Burl wood is a growth irregularity in trees that results in unique patterns such as swirls and knots on the trunk, branches, or roots. These formations are highly praised for their intricate pattern, rich colour, and the fact that no two pieces are ever identical. The use of burl birch on the tabletop offers a lovely charm. The centrally placed leg offers the piece stability through its dimension and square shape, completing the look.
Through its special geometries and expressive forms this table is the perfect addition to an interior, ensuring a lasting impression on any visitor. This piece combines Italian design with the expert craftsmanship of Afra and Tobia Scarpa, resulting in a timeless work of art.
SOLD
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The walnut wood has a beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
57.08 in ⌀ x 27.75 in H
145 cm ⌀ x 70.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the 1950s, Danish Modern furniture placed equal emphasis on structural clarity and refined craftsmanship. Rather than treating tables as purely functional objects, designers created furniture that integrated beauty into day-to-day life. Thanks in great part to an early emphasis on wood and a resistance to certain modernist currents by influential designers, Danish Modern has avoided associations with cold industrialisation and machine aesthetics.
The movement's preference for fine cabinetmaking and expressive timber is evident in this coffee table, whose elegant silhouette is achieved through a restrained combination of curves and expressive wood. The long, rectangular top displays a dramatic grain pattern, with tonal variations across the surface. Supporting it is an elegant, trestle-like base. The designer strayed away from the bulky, robust versions of this iconic base style, opting instead for two sweeping curved side supports connected by a single stretcher, creating an open architectural framework beneath the tabletop. The contrast between the crisp horizontal plane of the top and the flowing curves of the base creates a dynamic, yet balanced, composition. Danish modern designs are, at their core, utilitarian objects; as a result, this table’s form follows function, offering both a generous surface area and great stability. The absence of unnecessary detailing directs attention to the quality of the timber, the precision of the joinery, and the graceful geometry of the structure.
Elegant from every angle, the table demonstrates why Danish Cabinetmakers and their designs are some of the most thoughtful pieces of furniture. Its understated design and versatile character allow it to complement a wide range of interiors while showcasing the enduring appeal of the Danish modern period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item has some marks and scratches on the tabletop.
Dimensions:
59.25 in W x 25.59 in D x 21.65 in H
150.5 cm W x 65 cm D x 55 cm H