Afra & Tobia Scarpa bureau

Rare Artona chest of drawers / bureau designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Maxalto in Italy during the 1970s. An exceptional and highly architectural storage piece from the celebrated Artona series, widely regarded as one of the most important Italian furniture collections of the postwar period. The design reflects the Scarpas’ sophisticated balance between craftsmanship, material richness and geometric precision, combining luxurious surfaces with an uncompromising modernist aesthetic.

The cabinet is executed in beautifully figured rosewood with softly rounded vertical edges and refined dark inlaid detailing framing the structure. The tall and slender form contains a series of graduated drawers with leather-clad fronts, each finished with small spherical pulls that emphasize the restrained and graphic composition. The leather surfaces display a remarkable natural patina developed over decades, with variations in tone, markings and wear that give the piece exceptional depth and character. The contrast between the warm rosewood veneer, the aged cognac-toned leather and the black lacquered drawer interiors creates a striking and distinctly Italian material palette.

Raised discreetly on concealed steel casters, the piece maintains a sense of visual lightness despite its substantial vertical presence. The upper section forms an integrated tray-like top with raised sides, further reinforcing the architectural quality of the design. The cabinet functions equally well as a chest of drawers, bureau or sculptural storage object, suitable for both domestic and professional interiors.

Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work for Maxalto represents some of the most refined Italian furniture production of the 1970s, where traditional craftsmanship and innovative material combinations were executed to exceptionally high standards. The Artona series in particular has become highly sought after for its distinctive use of leather and richly figured exotic woods.

The piece remains in good vintage condition with minor signs of age and use consistent with time. The leather drawer fronts have developed a beautiful and authentic patina with surface markings, tonal variation and wear that enhance the character of the cabinet.