Monk Chairs in Canvas by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1974, Set of 6

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Iconic set of six “monk chair” dining chairs, designed by afra scarpa & tobia scarpa and manufactured by molteni &c, … Read more Iconic set of six “monk chair” dining chairs, designed by afra scarpa & tobia scarpa and manufactured by molteni &c, italy 1974. Each chair features a robust solid walnut timber frame, beautifully matched with thick, patinated natural canvas seats. The warm, cross-angled legs in walnut give the chairs a light, almost floating silhouette despite the serious build: the structural shape is remarkably flat and elegant, yet the construction conveys real weight and quality. The canvas seat is fixed to the frame with black countersunk screws, clearly an intentional design choice, turning a purely functional fix into visible detail and making the fixing part of the aesthetic. The combination of materials and detailing, walnut plus natural canvas, black flush screws, is exceedingly hard to find. The condition is very good: the canvas shows only minor wear and a gentle patina appropriate to age, while the walnut frames remain in excellent original condition with handsome coloring and integrity.

a simplified, solid design by the award-winning scarpa couple. In terms of the story behind the design: the monk design was introduced in 1973 in the collaboration between afra & tobia scarpa and molteni &c. The name “monk” is said to reflect the strictly reduced, almost monastic simplicity of the chair’s proportions and structure, the designers sought clarity of form, material honesty and minimal ornament, hence the reference to a monastic asceticism. The construction is remarkable in how the wooden frames are interlocked and the seat/back material stretched over tubular steel sections mounted within, the visible screws and rivets emphasis the joinery rather than hide it. Over time the monk chair has become a design classic, its essential lines and high-quality materials appreciated by collectors and design lovers, and its re-edition in recent years attests to its enduring relevance. Please note that these chairs are priced and sold as a set of six.

literature; afra e tobia sarpa, architetti 1959-1999, tobia scarpa, architetto 2000 – 2009, page 162/163. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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