Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 'Bastiano' club chair, leather and rosewood, Italy, design 1960, manufactured in 1970s. Beautiful Bastiano club chair made with a rosewood frame and cognac leather cushions. Tobia Scarpa designed the Bastiano series for the experimental design laboratory of Gavina in 1960. About the result Gavina said it "exploited Le Corbusier's idea of free cushions in order to make a modern sofa" this time in wood. The chair is very comfortable as it has thick cushions that fall into the frame. The frame therefore functions as a basket that holds the thick, comfortable cushions together. The leather of the cushions has aged beautifully and developed a subtle, yet aesthetic patina. Tobia Scarpa studied on the Venice Institute of Architecture. Scarpa first worked for the Italian glass manufacturer Venini. From 1960 on he opened his own design studio, together with his wife Afra Scarpa. 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. Knoll International was founded in New York by the 26 year old German Hans Knoll (1914-1955) in 1938. Hans' father, Walter Knoll was a true modernist and furniture manufacturer who had a reputation for quality. When Hans Knoll died at a young age his wife Florence Knoll took over and under her influence the company flourished and created its best designs. She designed and led the company where she cooperated with talented designers such as Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Schultz and Harry Bertoia. Literature: Lutz, Brain. Knoll. A modernist universe. New York: Rizolli, 2010. p.177. VAT within the EU: When buying or delivering an item within the EU, VAT usually applies and will be added.