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.
$882Sale 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
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
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
"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
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
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 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
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
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
$23,728Sale Price|40% Off
Libreria E22 Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno 1960's
By Tecno, Gaetano Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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
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
Bureau en palissandre modèle T95 par Osvaldo Borsani pour Tecno 1960's
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Bureau en palissandre modèle T95 par Osvaldo Borsani pour Tecno 1960's Superbe bureau moderniste italien, au modèle T95 dessiné par Osvaldo Borsani pour Tecno. L’ensemble séduit par...
Wood
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
$13,376
Bar cabinet by Eugenio Gerli
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
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
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
Iron and wood wall bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani E22 production Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Iron and wood wall bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani E22 production Tecno 1960s Modular wall-mounted bookcase made of wood and metal, consisting of eight shelves and a storage compartment...
Metal
Italian modern Black Office drawer unit by Borsani and Gerli for Tecno, 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
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 Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
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
$13,576
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
$4,920Sale 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
Mid-Century Macassar Sideboard, France, 1960s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Art Deco sideboard, credenza, with bar cabinet. The sideboard features stunning Macassar wood grain and rich pattern. It offers ample storage, with shelves. The case rests ...
Teak
Italian Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit with 2 shelves, 1 boxes with 2 doors containing one shelf and one box with 2 drawers. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal, Brass
$4,409 / 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
$17,406
H 116.93 in W 51.19 in D 29.93 in
Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Monumental and very rare desk wall unit by Vittorio Dassi for Mobili Cantù – Italy, circa 1950. Italian walnut, birch and brass details. Corner assembly between two walls at a 90-deg...
Brass
Art Deco Boomerang Desk Circa 1940
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Exceptional modernist desk from the Art Deco period. This superb piece of furniture is reminiscent of the desk made by Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Janneret with its curved top and ...
Ash
$6,799 / set
H 78.75 in W 102.37 in D 16.15 in
Louis Van Teeffelen Wall Unit in Teak and Brass by WeBe, Netherlands, circa 1950
By Louis Van Teeffelen, WéBé
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Elegant wall-unit by Louis Van Teeffelen for WéBé (Walraven & Bevers), Netherlands – circa 1950. Please note: The chair is available but not included in this listing. The wall u...
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani, Bookcase model “E 22”, 1951
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Barcelona, ES
Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) Bookcase model “E 22” Manufactured by Tecno Varedo (Italy), 1951 Rosewood, aluminium Measurements 423 cm x 49 cm x 292 H in 166.55 in x 19.29 i...
Rosewood
$14,505
H 59.06 in W 39.38 in D 22.05 in
1930s Art Deco Burl Walnut Borsani Sideboard Buffet Server Credenza Wax Polished
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury Gaetano or Osvaldo Borsani Art Deco burl walnut sideboard buffet with server chest, restored and wax polished Measures cm: H 150, W...
Burl
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
$8,064
H 71.26 in W 22.05 in D 98.43 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard with Mirror Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Italian mid-century sideboard with mirror attributed to Osvaldo Borsani from the 1940s. This large 250 cm wide cabinet is made from walnut with lacquered parts and burl wood veneer has 6 door with plywood shelving...
Mirror, Stained Glass, Walnut, Burl
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 Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
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
Sold
H 113.39 in W 194.3 in D 16.93 in
Osvaldo Borsani and Agenore Fabbri E22 shelving system for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani, Agenore Fabbri
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This E22 modular bookcase/wall system, conceived by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, presents a remarkably poetic and functional architecture of display and storage. The composition begins...
Metal, Brass
'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
Sold
H 111.42 in W 56.3 in D 13.78 in
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
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