Vintage "Artona" walnut size bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1975

Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Artona" Walnut King Size Bed, Italy ca. 1975. The Artona line by the Scarpa duo was in fact the first line ever produced by Maxalto, the specialist division of B&B Italia. Maxalto was originally set up in 1975 as a high-end division of B&B Italia to focus exclusively on the production of artisanal, mostly wood furniture. The Artona was their first project and also functions as a counter-message against the common prevailing use of plastics in furniture design during the postwar period. This bed was designed during the first period of the ’Artona’ collection, it combines the edging in striped walnut and beautiful forms. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Tobia first worked for the Italian glass manufacturer Venini. From 1960 on the couple opened their own design office. Their work includes architecture and everyday items like furniture and clothing. Tobia & Afra was designed for numerous major Italian and international companies like Flos, Gavina, B&B Italia, Cassina, Knoll International, and many interior projects for numerous companies worldwide.