Set of Four ‘Monk’ Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1970s

Designed in 1973 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, the ‘Monk’ chair reflects the designers’ interest in the relationship between structure, material and craftsmanship. The design is composed of a restrained wooden frame supporting a continuous leather seat and backrest. Rather than relying on conventional upholstery, the thick leather is suspended between the structural elements and secured through visible metal fastenings. This construction allows the leather to respond naturally to the body while maintaining the chair’s precise geometric proportions.

Afra and Tobia Scarpa were among the leading figures of postwar Italian design, developing furniture in which traditional materials were approached through innovative construction techniques. The ‘Monk’ chair is characteristic of their work during the 1970s, combining the structural clarity of the wooden frame with the flexibility and tactile qualities of leather. The exposed connections and straightforward assembly give the design an architectural character, while allowing each material to retain its individual expression.

This set of four chairs features warm wooden frames and cognac-coloured leather with a richly developed patina. The leather displays variations in tone, natural creasing and visible traces of use, contributing to the individual character of each chair. The contrast between the structured wooden frames and the softened leather surfaces gives the set a distinctive balance of precision and material warmth.