A history-making 1973 design by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni&C, Monk reemerges in 2025 with this exclusive re-edition, part of the Heritage Collection.
“I realize that our culture, which museums everything – perhaps without even realizing it – uses things from the past as if they were dead, but in reality, it is precisely in these things that life has sedimented and continues to sediment, continuing to live. [...] We must allow what the past gifts us to continue expressing itself, to continue living; sometimes we must allow it to resonate in the present, to sing, in order to grasp all its potential and magic.”
– Tobia Scarpa
Available both as a versatile chair for the dining area and an armchair for the living room or bedroom, Monk is defined by its pared-down aesthetic that highlights the expressive qualities of leather against solid wood. Eight burnished steel rivets secure the seat to the frame, bringing a subtle decorative accent to this exquisite design.
The name “Monk” reflects the almost monastic simplicity of the style, while also leading with the letter “M,” as Afra and Tobia Scarpa were wont to do for the designs they created for Molteni&C.
The seat and backrest are crafted from leather, fit taught over two steel tubes for a comforting and supportive design. Joined by cross panels with exposed joints, the wooden legs stand like narrow pillars.
The solid wood frame, crafted from American walnut, is available in black oak or coffee oak finishing. Made of two leather sections, the seat and backrest are available in any color from the Molteni&C collection.
Italian architect and designer, Tobia Scarpa was born in Venice in 1935, where he graduated in Architecture (IUAV) in 1969. A versatile and curious designer, his long career saw him involved in architecture, restoration, outfitting, design, graphics, teaching. In the sixties he established himself as a leader in the industrial design by collaborating with various important Italian and international companies, including Molteni&C and Unifor.
complete biography
“Knowing how to build is a debt to technique. Knowing how to give a meaning to things I create is a debt to logic required by the forms”
Tobia Scarpa
Monk
Technical Details
Technical drawings 2d (.jpg)
