A dining set composed of four “model 121” dining chairs and a “model 778” dining table designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in 1965 and produced in Italy by Cassina.

The “778” model is an example of solid wood boards arranged to form a C-shaped frame. With a top that opens, the table is supported by four trestles, two of which are a few centimeters lower than the others so that the top can rest on them when the table is closed. The “containment” is resolved on the two remaining sides by the larger trestles that completely conceal the double thickness of the top. Thanks to this structural solution, the necessary reinforcement of the foot is supplied by the L-shaped configuration of the boards. The extension of the table happens by raising one-half of the hinged top and sliding the lower half horizontally. This movement is made possible by two metal tracks that guide small nylon wheels attached to the top.

This set of four 121 dining chairs was designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1965. Created as a chair for use with the “778” table and the “777” small tables. It presents the typical Afra and Tobia Scarpa double trestle structure with the characteristic rounded joint. The seat and back are shaped in plywood and attached by bolts to crosspieces along with the seat. The back has cut in the lower part, required due to a reinforcement that reacts to torsion stress, which is strongest at this point. The clear structure is like a cubical volume; the supports, on the other hand, are slender anatomically shaped surfaces. They are original pieces with brick leather upholstery manufactured in 1967. The leather is in excellent vintage condition. The structure is in perfect condition. The ‘Cassina’ original paper stamp is present on every single chair. All in all an exciting and high-quality chair. Simplified and solid design by Italian award-winning designers couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa.

Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa 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 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.

Literature: Roberto Masiero, Afra e Tobia Scarpa, tutte le opere, Mondadori Electa, 2009, p. 93.

Excellent vintage condition.