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.
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'Canada' Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, Valeria Borsani, and Marco Fantoni for Tecno, 'Canada' lounge chairs and ottoman, model 'T110', leather, mahogany, cherry, Italy, design 1966 The Canada series was ...
Leather, Cherry, Mahogany
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'Canada' Lounge Chairs in Brown Leather and Wood
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, Valeria Borsani, and Marco Fantoni for Tecno, 'Canada' lounge chairs, model 'T110', leather, wood, Italy, design 1966 The Canada series originated from a set of ear...
Leather, Wood
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Pair of Lounge Chairs in Mahogany and Chenille
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, pair of 'Sir' easy chairs, model 'P73', mahogany, reupholstered in 'Marabou' chenille by Dedar Milano, Italy, design/production 1966 Eugenio Gerli's design,...
Fabric, Mahogany
convertible lounge chair P40 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Italian modern TECNO P40 convertible lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954 beautiful 1960ies edition cognac-brown leather. Second edition of the P40 lounge chair, with...
Steel
“Canada" Leather Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Canada” or model P110 chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1965 and manufactured by the Borsani brothers’ company, Tecno. The chair is enriched wi...
Leather, Wood
Pair of 142 Series Lounge Chairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 1970's black vinyl lounge chairs on casters, designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Good vintage condition with some minor scuffs/wear consistent with age and use.
Faux Leather, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani P40/C Lounge Chair for Tecno, Second Edition, circa 1963–1965
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in BARCELONA, ES
An important P40/C adjustable lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, dating from circa 1963–1965 and corresponding to the second edition of the model. The P40 is regard...
Metal
First Edition P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s, Italy
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Renens, CH
Osvaldo Borsani, an Italian architect and furniture designer, aimed to create a lounger that would go beyond the bulky, static nature of the “comfortable chair”. The result was the P40 lounge chair, which could be adjusted in many different positions depending on the user’s preferences. With the P40 lounge chair, Borsani created one of the most recognized pieces of the Italian post-war design movement. Available we have a first edition P40...
Metal
$6,060Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century 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
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
$1,250Sale Price|44% Off
Tecno Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970
By Tecno
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Absolutely exceptional lounge chair from the Italian manufacturer Tecno, which was made for the presidential suite of an exclusive hotel. The chair comes in a firm brown fabric cover...
Fabric
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in Italy during the late 1950s, this striking vintage lounge chair is a fine example of mid-century Italian design. Its elegant tripod base, cra...
Steel
1956, Osvaldo Borsani, P40 Adjustable Lounge Chair in Terra Red Fabric
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Beautiful P40 in a special terra brownish red color color. The upholstery is new. The chair is in good condition. The P 40 is a reclinable...
Metal
Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs Model P24 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milan, IT
Lounge chairs model P24 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Surprising combination of sleek wood armrests on metal frame. Chairs can also be connected together creating a comfortable settee.
Metallic Thread
$2,284Sale 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
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Lounge Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s, Reupholstered
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Osvaldo Borsani P40 lounge chair, second edition, produced by Tecno, Milan. Designed in 1954, the P40 is one of the most iconic lounge chairs of the 20th century, adjustable into mul...
Fabric, Upholstery
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno PK71 Mid Century Italian Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno PK71 Mid Century Italian Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 25.5 wide x 31 deep x 33.25 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair c...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Armchair Green P55 by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Tecno, Office Chair, Italy, 1980s
By Tecno, Giorgetto Giugiaro
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
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Tecno Chip Chair by Carlo Mo, Steel and Oak, Modern Italian Design
By Carlo Mo, Tecno
Located in Berlin, DE
The Chip chair was designed by sculptor Carlo Mo. The chair is very small and more an object ora. sculpture, as it is pretty low and not very comfortable to...
Steel
1991 Chip Chair by Carlo Mo for Tecno in Ebonized Oak and Enameled Steel
By Tecno, Carlo Mo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Chip Chair, designed by Carlo Mo for Tecno in 1965. This particular example hails from 1991, when Tecno relaunched the design in a very limited quantity. This avant-garde l...
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
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
$2,953Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 25.99 in W 26.38 in D 23.63 in
Set of Two Vintage P142 lounge chairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
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
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
$4,074
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
$468
H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Green "Modus" Office Chair, Italy 1970s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Naples, IT
Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in the 1970s, this swivel office chair consists of a green plastic shell covered in green fabric on the seat and back, together with an aluminiu...
Aluminum, Steel
$5,943Sale Price|43% Off
H 37.8 in W 27.96 in D 30.71 in
Italian Black Leather Adjustable P40 Relax Chair by Osvaldo Borsani Tecno.
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Oirlo, LI
Designed in 1955 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, the P40 Lounge Chair is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. Its sleek yet highly functional structure allows for numerous recli...
Metal, Brass
P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani Chair for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production P40 lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s. The lounge, with an extendable footrest, is designed to recline and can be set in several posit...
Brass, Steel
Modus Office by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1960s Desk Chair
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brescia, IT
1968 by Tecno revolving chair White ivory plastic, acrylic seat and aluminum frame H max seat: 52 cm.
Aluminum
$6,643
H 31.89 in W 32.29 in D 36.62 in
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
Leather, Wood
$6,060Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
20th Century 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
P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Palm Springs, CA
P40 lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. The lounge, with an extendable footrest, is designed to recline be adjusted in many different positions depending on the user’...
Brass, Steel
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
Sold
H 31.11 in W 31.89 in D 36.23 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'Canada' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, Valeria Borsani, and Marco Fantoni for Tecno, 'Canada' lounge chair, model 'T110', leather, mahogany plywood, Italy, 1966 The Canada series was developed from some ...
Leather, Plywood, Mahogany
Sold
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 34.26 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'Canada' Lounge Chair in Cognac Brown Leather
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, Valeria Borsani, and Marco Fantoni for Tecno, 'Canada' lounge chair, model 'T110', leather, plywood, Italy, 1966 The Canada series was developed from some rough ini...
Leather, Plywood
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
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
Sold
H 31.5 in W 31.89 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani 'Canada' Lounge Chair in Two-Tone Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, pair of model P110 'Canada' lounge chairs, leather and plywood, Italy, 1960s. The 'Canada' chair is composed of two sides made of moulded plywood connec...
Leather, Plywood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'Canada' Lounge Chair
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, lounge chair 'Canada' T110, in plywood and cognac to orange leather, Italy, 1960s. The 'Canada' chair is composed of two sides made of moulded plywood c...
Leather, Plywood
Osvaldo Borsani 'S88' Folding Chair for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani's 'S88' folding chair for Tecno designed in 1956, produced in 1957. A fully folding chair with a metal frame. All the parts rotate around a single hinge joint. The...
Metal
Osvaldi Borsano P110 'Canada' lounge chair Tecno Italy 1965
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This iconic P110 “Canada” lounge chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno, Italy, circa 1965. A celebrated example of Italian modern design, the chair reflects Bor...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
Italian Midcentury Yellow Velvet P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Vienna, AT
This Fantastic Italian Midcentury adjustable and reclinable iconic P 40 Lounge chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s. Black painted steel, brass details and r...
Metal, Brass
PS142 Easy Chairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1970s - set of 5
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of alcantara PS142 easy chairs designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Earlier editions with chrome wheels. Good condition 1970s - Italy Dimensions Height: 70cm Width: 70cm Dep...
Suede
Sold
H 33.47 in W 28.35 in D 50.4 in
P40 Lounge Chair By Osvaldo Borsani For Tecno In Original Leather, Italy 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Stunning P40 lounge chair in original black/greenish leather by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1960s. Both comfortable as appealing is what this iconic design can be described as....
Metal, Brass