There is an almost monastic simplicity to the Monk chair by Tobia and Afra Scarpa—an austerity born not of severity, but of discipline. First conceived in 1973 and now revived by Molteni&C with reverence rather than reinvention, the chair exemplifies the Scarpas’ particular genius for exemplifying a clarity of form and construction, providing an almost spiritual tactility.Courtesy Molteni&CThe reissued Monk armchair (left) and dining chair is now available through Molteni&C.Its form is elemental: two planes—a seat and a backrest—united by a pair of solid ash or walnut frames that appear to clasp the upholstery with a craftsman’s grip. But beneath this purity lies a quiet sophistication. The upholstery is restrained, rhythmic, and deliberate. Each curve, each joint, is executed with the kind of precision that invites touch and use rather than spectacle.There is something Italian here, unmistakably so: the chair speaks softly but with unmistakable authority. The Monk chair does not shout for attention, yet once experienced in person, it cannot be unseen or forgotten. It invites the user to not only sit and rest, but to reflect.Courtesy Molteni&CIconic Italian architect and designer, Tobia Scarpa has created furniture for a variety of international furniture companies including Molteni&C and Unifor.Reissued by Molteni&C with a lightness of touch that honors the original design, the Monk chair stands as a paragon of Italian modernism: contemplative, tactile, impeccably poised. It belongs not merely to a room, but to a philosophy of living—one that embraces silence, structure, and the slow unfolding of beauty over time.This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR.