From his early start at his father’s boutique furniture and cabinetry atelier — Arredamenti Borsani (ABV) — Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani began to steadily dream to life the movement-inducing pieces that would eventually lead to him founding his innovative furniture company, Tecno, with his twin brother, Fulgenzio.
Born in the commune of Varedo in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Borsani studied at the Brera Academy in Milan — the same school attended by such luminaries as designer Piero Fornasetti and artist Lucio Fontana — as well as the Polytechnic University of Milan. He first worked for the family furniture-making firm, ABV, an atelier influenced by the more expressive and curvaceous wing of Art Deco design. Borsani took over Arredamenti Borsani in 1937.
With his stylish and technically innovative furniture, Borsani helped change the face of Italian design in the 1950s and ’60s. His sofas and chairs, featuring deeply upholstered seating and adjustable position settings, have an aura of optimism and efficiency that still seems fresh and lively today.
While he is today recognized as a master of mid-century modernist Italian furniture, Borsani is most famous these days for cofounding Tecno. (He and Fulgenzio also created Villa Borsani, a visionary mid-century estate cherished for its modern lines and exquisite custom furnishings.)
When Borsani opened Tecno, an office-focused maker of industrial design, his design sensibilities had evolved toward furnishings with strong, simple forms enhanced by mechanical innovations, as with the P40 adjustable armchair.
When they were originally released, Tecno pieces like the P40 and the award-winning D70 sofa bed were acclaimed as cutting-edge, and they are still considered groundbreaking in their adaptability and functionality. The firm quickly garnered widespread acclaim for its tech-forward designs and quality craftsmanship.
Borsani would be Tecno’s lead designer for 30 years, while partnering on projects with the likes of architect Eugenio Gerli and fostering work by Vico Magistretti, Carlo De Carli, Robin Day and others.
Borsani designed pieces for Tecno until shortly before his death in 1985, when his daughter Valeria and her husband, Marco Fantoni, took over the creative work.
Today, the family’s legacy is preserved by Borsani’s architect grandson Tommaso Fantoni, who, along with Norman Foster, curated a blockbuster retrospective of Osvaldo Borsani’s work at Milan’s Triennale Design Museum in 2018.
Find vintage Tecno chairs, tables, desks and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Eugenio Gerli P28 Pair Armchairs Wood Leather for Tecno, Italy 1958
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Vienna, AT
Eugenio Gerli P28 Armchair for Tecno, Wenge wood, Italy 1958 Rare pair of armchairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno "P28". These lounge chairs were originally designed for RIMA, but in 19...
Leather, Wenge
$3,000Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of Two Vintage P142 lounge chairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Milano, IT
The P142 lounge chair, designed by Italian designer Eugenio Gerli for the renowned furniture manufacturer Tecno in 1969, is a true symbol of timeless design and exquisite craftsmansh...
Steel, Iron
Important Pair of Osvaldo Borsani P71 Armchairs in Walnut, Tecno, Italy, 1954
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in The Hague, NL
This important pair of armchairs was designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in Como, Italy in 1954. The very rare P71 was one of the first designs produced by Tecno after ...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair realized by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956. First edition of this iconic armchair, in excellent condition. Today the P40, in its first edition produc...
Metal, Brass
P40 reclining armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno 1957 second edition purple
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair model P40 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1955, second edition. The P40 is considered one of the icons of postwar Italian design and is a modern reinterpretation of...
Metal, Brass
20th Century, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Armchair mod. P40
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Turin, Turin
Osvaldo Borsani in 1953, together with his brother Fulgenzio, realized his most complex project: a company idea named after the "techne" of the Greeks, which means both art and techn...
Metal
$2,303Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Modern Osvaldo Borsani Arm Chair Model P24 by Tecno, Italy, 1961
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Hellouw, NL
Impressive Italian Modern Osvaldo Borsani arm chair Model P24 by Tecno from Italy 1961. Wooden armrests in combination with the metal frame make this an interesting and timeless piec...
Metal
Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Milan, IT
Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Fully blue velvet upholstered frame on wheels. A second piece with different green emerald fabric available
Velvet
Mid-Century P40 Reclining Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950's
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An early edition "P40" Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy. This iconic model is designed in 1955 and was considered the flagship of the Tecno Company, The use of adva...
Metal, Brass
Armchair Green P55 by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Tecno, Office Chair, Italy, 1980s
By Giorgetto Giugiaro, Tecno
Located in Roma, IT
By Giorgetto Giugiaro for Tecno, a beautiful armchair with wheels Produced in Italy in the 1980s. Easily usable in any environment. Original Te...
Metal
P40 Armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, 1955 first edition purple fabric mid-century
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Poltrona modello P40 progettata da Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno nel 1955, prima edizione. La P40 è considerata una delle icone del design italiano del dopoguerra e rappresenta una rein...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Red "P40" Lounge Chair for Tecno, 1950 Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge chair, ‘P40’, was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno, Italy. This item is an early model and without a doubt an icon of 1950’s Italian design. The back can be...
Metal, Brass
$45,252 / set
Sofa and armchair by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful set was designed by the Italian designer and architect Osvaldo Borsani. The armchair model ‘P71’ and the two-seater sofa model ‘D71’ captivate with their organic shape...
Walnut
Chair "Modus" Tecno Design Ovaldo Borsani Eugenio Gerli, 1970s Rare Version
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in taranto, IT
very rare, unique in the world, this original Tecno chair, designed by osvaldo borsani in the 70s probably a prototype that has never entered the market, there is no such trace in...
Metal
20th Century Carlo Mo Pair of Seating Mod. Chip in Wood for Tecno, 90s
By Carlo Mo, Tecno
Located in Turin, Turin
Famous sculptor, Carlo Mo was born in Piovene Rocchette in 1923. He then studies in Genova, and then in Pavia at the Univeristy. After the Second World War he travelled to Africa. In...
Metal
$7,052Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pink Armchairs by Eugenio Gerli Tecno, Mod S148
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Experience the perfect blend of classic design and modern comfort with this set of six Eugenio Gerli Tecno Mod S148 armchairs. Inspired by the iconic S142 design, these armchairs hav...
Bouclé, Wood
Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Milan, IT
Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Fully emerald green upholstered frame on wheels. A second piece with different blue fabric available
Velvet
Minimal Leather Armchair Model "D101" by Tecno, Italy, 1980s
By Tecno
Located in Milan, IT
Rare leather armchair model D101 by Tecno. Originally custom-conceived by Centro Progetti Tecno for a private bank, the model was later put in serial production. Pure squared proport...
Leather
Set of Two Reclining Osvaldo Borsani Chairs
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two reclining chairs - very early design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s. The reclining chairs are in original condition and feature a fol...
Steel
Eugenio Gerli S83 chairs by Tecno Italy 1962
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Elegant set of 4 model S83 chairs designed by Eugenio Gerli and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1962. Made from black painted plywood these chairs have a robust metal structure for stre...
Beech, Plywood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno D70 Reclining Sofa
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic example of Italian mid-century design, continually reproduced for its highly renowned marriage of style and functionality, this fully adjustable reclining sofa...
Leather
Osvaldo Borsani P 40 For Tecno 1960's
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
The versatile and comfortable P40 lounge chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno. The chair can be adjusted into over 400 positions; the back can be reclined in diffe...
Metal, Brass
$4,075
H 34.65 in W 28.75 in D 59.06 in
Original Osvaldo Borsani P40 Reclining Chair, Tecno, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Osvaldo Borsani P40 Reclining Chair, Tecno, Italy, 1950s. All hardware in working order. Reclines and adjusts into a h...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani Canada chair Tecno Italy 1965
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic so called 'Canada' lounge chair model P110 designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1965. The Canada chair is constructed by 2 moulded plywood side panels, connected with 2 bent wooden cross bars, which holds the frame in balance and a part. The thick leather upholstered cushion structure hangs in the frame and is connected with black plastic caps. The Canada seating series was developed from some rough initial sketches by Valeria Borsani and Marco Fantoni while they were still young...
Leather, Plastic, Plywood
$6,112Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
Vintage P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, First Series
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Borsani P40 Lounge Chair - Italian Collectible Furniture - Mid Century Armchair - Collectible Italian Mid Century Designed in 1956 by Italian architect Osvaldo Borsani, the P40 loun...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Dining Chair in Teak
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, dining chair, model 'S83, moulded teak plywood, lacquered wood, aluminum, Italy, design and production 1962 Dining chairs model S83, designed by Eugenio Ge...
Aluminum
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani / Tecno Milano 1955
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair 'P72A' Osvaldo Borsani 1955 Founder with his brother Fulgenzio of Tecno, the architect Osvaldo Borsani designed most of Tecno's and italian design's icons, like the working...
Leather, Rosewood
Unavailable|$4,701
H 97 in W 46 in D 60 in
Vintage p40 lounge chair by Osvaldo Borsani for tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
A design classic, this P40 reclining lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno. Designed in 1950s, this lounge chair consists of a black metal base, a red fabr...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani "P40" chaise longue for Tecno, Italy 1960
Located in Genève, GE
Osvaldo Borsani "P40" chaise longue for Tecno, Italy. This iconic model, designed in 1955, was considered the flagship of the Tecno company. Its use of cutting-edge technologies, su...
Textile
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Lounge Chair in Black Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, lounge chair, model P40, original black fabric, metal, Italy, 1955. This lounge chair has been the result of the relentless search for an armchair that fa...
Metal
Sold
H 36.62 in W 27.56 in L 36.62 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Pair of ‘P40' Lounge Chairs in Black Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, pair of P40 lounge chairs, original black fabric, metal, Italy, 1955. These lounge chairs have been the result of the relentless search for an armchair ...
Metal
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani Mod P71 armchairs, with certificate
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the elegance of mid-century Italian design with these exceptional Osvaldo Borsani armchairs from the 1950s, model P71 of Tecno. Renowned for their innovative design and supe...
Fabric, Wood
P40 armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 60s-70s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani, composed of movable elements and flexible armrests; metal frame, foam padding, leatherette upholstery.
Metal
P126 Office Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1970s, set of 2
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of fabric and metal office chairs by Osvaldo Borsani. Height-adjustable. Seat height minimum 38 cm, maximum 44 cm. Wear due to time and age of the chairs. For shipping, request...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani, rare P40 armchair, 1955
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Firenze, IT
Very rare P40 armchair, designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno. It is in excellent condition, has been reupholstered with an original fabric in shades of iridescent gray/green...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32.68 in W 33.08 in D 33.08 in
Midcentury Canada armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1965
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic and rare P110 Canada leather armchairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Very comfortable lounge chairs with stunning curved wooden frame and original leather cushions. The Canada ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 24.41 in W 39.77 in D 33.08 in
D120 Pink Velvet Armchair by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno
By Tecno, Valeria Borsani & Alfredo Bonetti
Located in Milano, IT
The D120 armchair, designed by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno in the 1970s, stands as a testament to the era's innovative approach to furniture design. This remarkable...
Steel
Certified Osvaldo Borsani Armchairs, model P71
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the elegance of mid-century Italian design with these exceptional Osvaldo Borsani armchairs from the 1950s, model P71 of Tecno. Renowned for his innovative design and superi...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 24.41 in W 39.77 in D 33.08 in
D120 armchair by Valeria Borsani and and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno
By Tecno, Valeria Borsani & Alfredo Bonetti
Located in Milano, IT
The D120 armchair, designed by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno in the 1970s, stands as a testament to the era's innovative approach to furniture design. This remarkable...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno "P110 Canada" Armchair, Italy 1965
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Naples, IT
Lounge chair Mod. P110 Canada" by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. An iconic design by one of the most important Italian designers, the so-called 'Canada' lounge chair was designed by Osva...
Fabric, Wood
Armchair mod. Canada by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Rivoli, IT
Mid-Century Modern P110 'Canada' lounge chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. An iconic design by one of the most important Italian designers, the so called "Canada" lounge chair was d...
Leather, Wood