Set of Four "Africa" Dining Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy 1975


































Set of Four "Africa" Dining Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy 1975
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Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
The 1960s and 1970s saw Italian interior design become world renowned and revered. This set of four “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.
This set was 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 of four 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, 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.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
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
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Mid-century Scandinavian dining chairs were often designed with a focus on proportion, and material quality, rather than decoration. Designers such as Torbjørn Afdal worked within this approach, producing furniture that balanced craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. His work for Vamo Møbelfabrik in the 1960s reflects this direction, combining a wooden construction with carefully considered lines and detailing. The emphasis was placed on durability and comfort, while maintaining a light visual presence suited to domestic interiors.
This set of six model “113” dining chairs by Afdal features slender wooden frames and clearly structured forms. Each chair is built from solid wood, with legs that taper slightly and connect through horizontal stretchers to reinforce stability. The construction is minimal, with lightweight appearance, allowing the chairs to sit comfortably around a dining table without feeling heavy or visibly crowding a room. The backrests feature a series of gently curved horizontal slats along the frame. These elements introduce a layered rhythm while maintaining the openness of the design. This balance between straight lines and gentle shaping gives the chairs both clarity and comfort. The seats are upholstered in a dark leather that contrasts with the wood, both in a textural and in a chromatic way. The combination of mediums is common in Scandinavian design, where natural materials are used together to create warmth without excess detail.
This set of chairs demonstrate a controlled and practical approach to furniture. The design relies on proportion, material contrast, and careful construction rather than ornament. The set works well for everyday use, maintaining a sleek, elegant character, while not sacrificing their unique mid-century look.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The items have recently been reconditioned. The items have some scratches. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items may have marks and discolouration. This set comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 22.04 in D x 35.62 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 18.11 in
48 cm W x 56 cm D x 90.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 46 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo, the celebrated French designer, is renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to woodworking. Trained as an architect in Paris, Chapo was deeply influenced by the principles of proportion, form, and the natural beauty of materials, philosophy that underpinned all of his furniture designs. His work often features bold, architectural lines and a reverence for traditional joinery, seamlessly blending structural integrity with visual elegance.
This S24 dining chair, created in 1967, captures Chapo’s distinctive aesthetic in every detail. It is constructed from solid elm, a material favoured by Chapo for its warm, organic character and robust durability. The chair features a simple, honest construction that highlights the natural grain and rich tone of the elm, celebrating the wood's inherent beauty. The design is defined by straight, geometric lines, which give the chair a sense of structural clarity and understated elegance. The tan leather seat, secured by being tied on the bottom, develops a rich patina over time, enhancing the chair’s charm and complementing the deep hues of the elm. This use of visible hardware underscores Chapo’s philosophy of honest construction, where even the functional details contribute to the visual appeal. The chair’s sturdy frame and inviting materials embody the rustic modernism that is central to Chapo’s style.
This chair would be a striking addition to any dining space, seamlessly blending robust construction with a refined simplicity that speaks to Chapo’s architectural roots. Its timeless design ensures it will elevate any setting, offering not only comfort but also a quiet sophistication that endures across generations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has a beautiful patina with some marks.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 19.29 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
40.5 cm W x 49 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo, the celebrated French designer, was renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to woodworking. Trained as an architect in Paris, Chapo was deeply influenced by the principles of proportion, form, and the natural beauty of materials. His work often features bold, architectural lines and a reverence for traditional joinery, seamlessly blending structural integrity with visual elegance.
This set of six S24 dining chairs, created in 1967, captures Chapo’s distinctive aesthetic in every detail. They are constructed from solid elm, a material favoured by Chapo for its warm, organic character and robust durability. Each chair features a simple, honest construction that highlights the natural grain and rich tone of the elm, celebrating the wood's inherent beauty. The design is defined by straight, geometric lines, which give the chairs a sense of structural clarity and understated elegance. The tan leather seats, fastened by rope, develop a rich patina over time, enhancing the chairs’ charm and complementing the hues of the wood. This use of visible hardware underscores Chapo’s philosophy of honest construction, where even the functional details contribute to the visual appeal. Each chair’s sturdy frame and inviting materials embody the rustic modernism that is central to Chapo’s style.
These chairs would be a striking addition to any dining space, seamlessly blending robust construction with a refined simplicity that speaks to Chapo’s architectural roots. Their timeless design ensures they will elevate any setting, offering not only comfort but also a quiet sophistication that endures across generations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has a beautiful patina with some marks.
Dimensions:
14.96 in W x 18.89 in D x 30.11 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 14.37 in
38 cm W x 48 cm D x 76.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 36.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Born amidst a period of architectural exploration, the Brutalist philosophy guides the design of this set of chairs. Seamlessly blending form and function with organic honesty, the chairs rely on the materials to convey its distinctive aesthetic.
These chairs exemplify a bold, raw design through their striking angular profile and powerful, sculptural presence. Each chair is crafted from solid oak, offering a heavy and grounded feel with rich, organic grain patterns. The chairs’ seats and backrests are made out of beautifully patinated leather, which maintains the sturdiness of the design through its thickness; thus providing an aesthetic and luxurious feel, while keeping functionality at the forefront. The leather offers the design a rugged yet refined look that complements the oak frame, and falls in line with the Brutalist pursuit of authenticity. The leather is fastened securely to the wooden structure with robust, oversized studs, lending a sense of toughness and industrial elegance — yet another element of Brutalism’s unapologetic boldness. At the same time, these details draw attention to the meticulous craftsmanship and the durability of the materials chosen by the maker. The carved wooden elements at the top of the chairs and on the front stretcher showcase the attention to detail given to each and every piece of this set.
These chairs blend functionality with artistry, evoking a sense of strength and permanence. Their distinct presence makes them an ideal statement set for any room, from a modern dining area to a studio or office. With a nod to Brutalist architecture and design, these chairs showcase a marriage of simplicity and power, creating an enduring visual impact in any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on the wood and the leather. The legs are slightly uneven.
Dimensions:
18.3 in W x 18.3 in D x 42.71 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 14.96 in
46.5 cm W x 46.5 cm D x 108.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 38 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Brutalism, originating in the mid-20th century, is an architectural and design movement that emerged in the post-war era, particularly in Europe and the United States. It is characterized by its raw, rugged aesthetic, showcasing exposed concrete, bold geometric shapes, and a focus on functionality and structural honesty. In the context of furniture design, Brutalism takes on a similar ethos, emphasizing the use of raw materials such as wood, and metal, to create pieces that prioritize functionality and durability
From architectural descriptions to individual pieces of furniture, materials, and colour palettes, brutalist style seems to have earned a permanent spot on the décor trend list. Constructed from robust oak, these chairs exude durability and timeless charm, showcasing the raw, natural textures of the wood. The striking geometric forms and angular lines, synonymous with Brutalist aesthetics, imbue each piece with an architectural allure, making them a captivating addition to any dining space.
The choice of oak and leather in the design of these dining chairs is both deliberate and inspired, reflecting the principles of the movement while also offering practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. The juxtaposition of the solid oak framework with supple leather upholstery creates a captivating visual contrast. The use of leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, while still maintaining the rugged aesthetic characteristic of Brutalist design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches. These chairs come with their original leather or have been reupholstered by a previous owner.
Dimensions:
19.69 in W x 20.08 in D x 37.01; Seat height 18.5 in
50 cm W x 51 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 47 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
The 1960s and 1970s saw Italian interior design become world renowned and revered. This set of four “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.
This set was 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 of four 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, 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.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
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