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 E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This double-sided freestanding E22 bookcase is a rare and peculiar example of Borsani's innovative design and the Tecno manufacturing expertise. Its construction of metal, wood, and ...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex E60 bookshelf Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The E60 bookshelf, crafted from anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex, is a distinguished model designed by the renowned Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in the 1950s. Minimal...
Aluminum
Boomerang Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano, 1950s Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural black boomerang executive desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano. Finished with leather desktop inclusion. Floating pedestal on right side and longer return on the le...
Aluminum
$23,977Sale Price|40% Off
Libreria E22 Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno 1960's
By Tecno, Gaetano Borsani
Located in Milano, MI
Splendida Libreria E22 disegnata da Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno spa negli anni 60. molteplici mobili contenitori bassi e modulo bar con ribalta. E' Possibile rimuovere i pannelli poste...
Aluminum, Steel
Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit made of wood and metal with 8 shelves and 1 cabinet with 2 sliding doors containing one shelf. The shelves and cabinet are height adjustable. Wear due to time and a...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Tecno wooden chest of drawers, 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Wooden chest of drawers by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960, made of veneered wood, designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in the Sixties. The rigorous and functional design is combine...
Wood, Oak
"SE3" Sideboard by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with black metal base and two sliding doors containing 6 shelves. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
SE3 Sideboard by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with black metal base and two sliding doors containing 10 drawers and a shelf. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Italian modern black wood bookcase E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1970s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood bookcase E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1970s Wall bookcase mod. E22 in wood and metal. It features three metal uprights, seven black lacquered wooden s...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Rosewood Sideboard Model SE3, Prod. Tecno, Italy, 1962
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milan, IT
This rosewood sideboard model SE3 featuring two sliding doors was designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1962. Functionality and essential shapes are the keywords around which th...
Metal
$893Sale Price|69% Off
Minimalist Sideboard in Wood and Metal Parts Tecno 1970 Italia
By Tecno
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Minimalist sideboard in wood and metal parts tecno 1970 Italia, two sliding doors with two shelves inside as shown in the photo.
Metal
Large Desk T333 by Eugenio Gerli and Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
This is a magnificent large vintage executive desk. Designed by Italians Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, it exudes timeless prestige. The desktop is created from a singl...
Aluminum
$13,516
Bar cabinet by Eugenio Gerli
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant bar cabinet on castors with its beautiful grain was designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno in 1966. It became known as the 'B106' model. When closed, the two sides of the o...
Formica, Walnut, Plywood
Vintage Writing Desk Model T333 by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Roma, IT
An elegant and architecturally refined “T333” executive desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani in collaboration with Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, one of the most influential manufacturers in t...
Steel
Modular Bookcase Model “E 105 Prisma” by Edoardo Vittoria for Tecno, Italy, 1964
By Tecno
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
An iconic modular bookcase model E 105 Prisma, designed by Edoardo Vittoria and produced by Tecno in 1964. This striking system features a lacquered wood structure combined with pain...
Iron
Iron and wood wall bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani E22 production Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Iron and wood wall bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani E22 production Tecno 1960s Modular wall-mounted bookcase, wood and metal, composed of six shelves and a storage compartment. Designed b...
Metal
Italian modern Black Office drawer unit by Borsani and Gerli for Tecno, 1970s
By Eugenio Gerli, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Black Office drawer unit by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1970s Office drawer unit with rectangular base in black painted metal. On the fron...
Metal
Eugenio Gerli, Trolley bar mod. B106, prod. Techno, 1966
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Rivoli, IT
Mobile-bar mod. B106 in lacquered wood produced by Tecno in 1966. Good condition, small signs of time on the outside
Steel
$13,751
H 111.42 in W 110.44 in D 12.21 in
Mid-Century Modern 22 Bookshelf by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk = D: 60 cm ; W: 139,5 cm ; H: 80 cm
Wood
A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique mid-century bookshelf with compass feet in oak, designed by unknown designer in France, c. 1950s.
Oak
Credenza Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, circa 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Exquisite credenza or sideboard Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, circa 1950s This very elegant mid century italian sideboard is made of high quality mahogany wood, a white marble top ...
Brass
$5,159
H 74.81 in W 72.45 in D 11.82 in
Libreria Modulare in Legno Laccato - Carlo De Carli per Fiarm - Italia - Anni 70
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
La libreria in foto, attribuita a Carlo De Carli, prodotta da Fiarm negli anni '70 del XX secolo, è composta da due corpi distinti ma offre la possibilità di unirli in un unico eleme...
Bentwood
$4,983Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.43 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Freestanding Wall unit, Bookshelves, Roomdivider, Midcentury Modern, 1950s
By Jos De Mey, Van den Berghe-Pauvers 1
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular wall unit or room divider designed by Jos De Mey for Van den Berghe-Pauvers, Ghent Belgium. 1958. Four black metal mounted on oblique, four tapering legs, brass stretchers ad...
Metal
$4,501 / set
H 28.35 in W 33.08 in D 20.08 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Small Desk and Chair Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Cute and stylish Italian midcentury modern desk, with a graceful chair, attributed to Paolo Buffa. This teakwood desk it is a splendid example of the Italian class design of 1950. B...
Brass
Open Bookshelf / Side Cabinet, Italy 1950s
By Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant open bookshelf produced by Anonima Castelli, Bologna, circa late 1930s–early 1940s. A fine example of Italian rationalist–era furniture, the piece combines functionality and ...
Wood
Julian Chichester Designed Wall Unit
By Paul McCobb, Julian Chichester
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two piece wall unit designed by Julian Chichester in natural vellum and metal framing. Designed after Paul McCobb's iconic wall unit. Mid-Century Modern two piece wall unit with shelving storage and drawers. Standing room divider with storage...
Metal
$16,454
H 118.12 in W 97.25 in D 18.12 in
George Nelson per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Naples, IT
Libreria modulare del modello CSS disegnata da George Nelson per Herman Miller. Il sistema è un'iconica unità di scaffalatura modulare che incarna la filosofia del design moderno di ...
Steel
$68,000
H 29.93 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Jacques Adnet - A French 1950s Desk with Lamp by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacques Adnet - A fine French Mid-Century rectangular desk and lamp, with a black lacquered metal base, pivoting leather covered drawer, saddle-stitched leather mail holder...
Metal
Important Gio Ponti Wall Unit
Located in New York, NY
An important rare Gio Ponti Modernist wall unit. Beautifully veneered in hardwood with painted wood, mirror glass, brass. Features display shelving...
Brass
$18,200
H 88.59 in W 80.71 in D 57.09 in
Italian Mid-Century Freestanding Corner Bookcase with Desk, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Buccinasco, MI
Exceptional and highly sophisticated Italian Mid-Century freestanding corner bookcase with integrated desk, produced in the 1950s and attributable to the design language of leading f...
Glass, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Wall Unit in Rosewood
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit E22, in metal and rosewood, Italy, 1950s. This wall-mounted shelving unit is six sections large. This system was developed by Bors...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Large Wall Unit in Rosewood
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit E22, metal, rosewood and glass, Italy, 1950s. This wall-mounted shelving unit is ten sections large, with a width of 7 metres. This system was developed by Borsani as coordinated system for furnishing either the home or the office, the E22 is composed of elements. The order and lay out of this unit is adjustable, which is in line with Osvaldo Borsani's philosophy that the home needs to be orderly, comfortable and easily rearrangeable. These wall-mounted shelves are another great example of his ideas. The shelves and cabinets are mounted on steel profiles. The wall unit contains three large cabinets with glass doors...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Wooden 'Boomerang' Desk
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, desk T-96 'Boomerang', in wood and metal, Italy 1956. A very nice wooden version of this well known design by Osvaldo Borsani. The two revolving cabinets are held in place by the characteristic stainless steel tripods. The top has the characteristic shape of a boomerang, which not only is very appealing for the design, but also bring much comfort. A very nice executive desk which will be the perfect addition to every modernist office...
Metal
Large Osvaldo Borsani Wall Unit for Tecno, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit, in metal and wood, Italy, 1950s. This wall-mounted shelving unit is six sections large. The order and lay out of this unit is adj...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Wall Unit in Teak for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bookcase, in metal and teak, by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s. According to Osvaldo Borsani the home needs to be orderly, comfortable and easily rearrangeable. These wal...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 85.04 in W 70.87 in D 15.16 in
Rare modular bookcase system by Eugenio Gerli, Tecno Milano Italy 1966
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in Renens, CH
A rare modular bookcase system designed by Italian architect and designer Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Part bookcase, part storage system and part architectural feature, the Domino mode...
Wood
'SE3' sideboard by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1960s-70s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Sideboard with sliding doors made of teak veneer wood with enameled metal legs. Furniture in good overall condition with signs of time, interior shelves missing.
Metal
T-96 Boomerang desk by Oswaldo Borsani for Tecno 1956
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
T96 ‘Boomerang’ Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1956 Designed in 1956 by acclaimed Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani, the T96 ‘Boomerang’ Desk is a masterpiec...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Libreria Modulare E22, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Naples, IT
Bookcase model E22 produced by Tecno in the 1960s designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Black painted aluminum uprights. Two storage modules and 5 shelves made of wood veneer, a module with ...
Metal
Storage Unit by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Cabinet with sliding doors and exposed drawers, wood exotic wood veneer, lacquered wood top.
Wood
Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Large fully modular Wall unit in black lacquered wood and metal with 20 shelves, 1 box with 4 drawers, 2 large boxes with 2 sliding doors, 2 boxes with glass door with key. Stamped T...
Metal
Mobile Bar "Jamaica" designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Openable bar cabinet on wheels designed in 1966 by Eugenio Gerli and manufactured by Tecno. The cabinet is in excellent condition and possibly needs only polishing of the outer shell...
Laminate, Wood