Afra Tobia Scarpa showcase cabinet Maxalto Italy 1975

Afra e Tobia Scarpa

Italy 1935 – 2011
Italy 1937 –
Architects, designers

An exceptionally rare and exquisitely crafted showcase cabinet, designed by the renowned Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italy in 1975. This piece exemplifies the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and innovation during the golden era of modernist design.

The cabinet’s structure, masterfully executed in rich walnut, appears almost as if meticulously puzzled together, an astonishing display of artisanal woodworking. Every joint and intersection reveals the level of precision and luxury that Maxalto, under the direction of the Scarpa duo, became known for. It is immediately clear that this was an extremely costly and labor-intensive piece to produce, reserved for a discerning clientele.

Adding to its period-authentic allure, the cabinet features brown smoked glass sides and a front door, a material choice that captures the sophisticated spirit of the 1970s. The door is accented by a refined black leather pull, a subtle yet tactile detail that speaks to the Scarpas’ sensitivity to material richness and functionality. Brass details and feet finish the luxurious appearance of the cabinet.

The interior is where the piece truly surprises: three glass shelves in striking blue, grey, and orange hues create a dynamic, three-dimensional interplay of color and light. This vivid detail transforms the cabinet into a work of art itself, enhancing whatever objects it holds. Thanks to the smoked glass construction, the piece feels visually light while maintaining a strong, elegant presence, making it a perfect showcase for treasured collections viewed from every angle.

Presented in very good original condition, this cabinet is not only a functional object but a sculptural statement of Italian design history. It is a rare opportunity to own a true masterpiece by two of Italy’s most celebrated modernist designers.

Literature; Afra e Tobia Sarpa, architetti 1959-1999, Tobia Scarpa, Architetto 2000 – 2009 Electa Architecture.
Maxalto Catalogue 1978.