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 and Agenore Fabbri E22 shelving system for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Agenore Fabbri, Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
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
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
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
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
$28,326Sale Price|20% Off
Osvaldo Borsani Rare Wall Bookcase with Pomodoro Artwork
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, Arnaldo Pomodoro
Located in Milano, IT
Discover a masterpiece of mid-century Italian design with this exquisite wall bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani, created in the 1960s to 70s and proudly bearing the Tecno label. Renowned f...
Bronze, Enamel
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
$24,077Sale Price|40% Off
Libreria E22 Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno 1960's
By Gaetano Borsani, Tecno
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
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
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
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
Danish Modern Large Rosewood Bookcase, 1970s.
By Svend Ellekær, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern large rosewood bookcase, 1960s. Large and impressive Scandinavian Modern 2 bay bookcase in stunning bookmatched Rosewood/Palisander veneer. This two part Danish librar...
Rosewood
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
$4,662
H 36.23 in W 109.06 in D 18.51 in
Credenza by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Exquisite credenza or sideboard designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo. This very elegant mid century italian sideboard is made of high quality mahogany wood, a whit...
Brass
$13,809
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
$4,662
H 36.23 in W 109.06 in D 18.51 in
Credenza by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Exquisite credenza or sideboard designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo. This very elegant mid century italian sideboard is made of high quality mahogany wood, a whit...
Brass
$5,004Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.43 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Freestanding Wall unit, Bookshelves, Roomdivider, Midcentury Modern, 1950s
By Van den Berghe-Pauvers 1, Jos De Mey
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
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Floral Painted Cabinet
By Adriano Spilimbergo, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in North Miami, FL
Full documented Borsani cabinet, painted by Adriano Spilimbergo in relief pastel floral motif. Subtle yet amazingly beautiful. Cast brass hardware, original green glass interior shelf. Interior is entirely original down to the harlequin vinyl upholstery and wood carved coat rack...
Brass
$4,800
H 79 in W 35 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Tricom Italian Etagere or Wall Unit after Milo Baughman
By Tricom, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large symmetrical chrome and glass etagere in the style of Milo Baughman. It features a heavy chrome frame with clear rectangular sized glass shelves.
Chrome
$24,077Sale Price|40% Off
H 104.34 in W 141.74 in D 19.3 in
Libreria E22 Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno 1960's
By Gaetano Borsani, Tecno
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
$1,888
H 68.9 in W 119.49 in D 9.45 in
Danish Walnut Shelving System Royal by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Walnut Shelving System Royal by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s. This is an early version of the Royal wall unit by Poul Cadovius with beautiful stained walnut veneered shelves...
Walnut
Rare Georgian Campaign Bookcase
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
Extremely rare Georgian Campaign Bookcase, folds into its own original steel bound travelling case. Exceptional colour and condition. The shelves inside are fully adjustable. When ...
Mahogany
Julian Chichester Designed Wall Unit
By Julian Chichester, Paul McCobb
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
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
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
Sold
H 98.43 in W 111.42 in D 18.9 in
Osvaldo Borsani & Arnaldo Pomodoro mod. E22 bookcase for Tecno, Italy 1957
By Arnaldo Pomodoro, Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Exclusive shelving unit mod. E22 by Osvaldo Borsani (1911 -1985) and Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926) for Tecno, Italy 1957. Luxurious version in Walnut with a bronze relief on the center cab...
Bronze
Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit in wood and metal with 12 shelves, 1 box with 4 drawers, 1 large box with double door and key to close and 1 box with 2 sliding doors containing a shelf. Model E22 ...
Metal
Sold
H 108.27 in W 82.68 in D 17.72 in
Wood and metal bookcase model E 22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Bookcase model E 22 by Osvaldo Borsani production Tecno, 1960s Bookcase model E 22 system of modular elements on metal rails by the great Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani, 1960s pro...
Metal
Sold
H 108.63 in W 139.75 in D 14 in
Italian Modular Rosewood Bookcase Wall Unit by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large modular rosewood bookcase/wall unit by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno (ca. 1960, Italy). Composed of six gold aluminum uprights forming five bays/sections. Includes: -locking bar unit with a removable (non-adjustable) shelf and glass surface -three-drawer chest, a locking cabinet with single adjustable/removable shelf -twelve shelves -all original brackets/mounting hardware and two keys. The set can also be divided to create two separate units (1 and 3 sections or 2 and 2 sections). Alternatively, we have a second six rail/five section unit, and the two can be combined to create a grand eleven bay system. Gold aluminum rails and black steel brackets/hardware are all original; rosewood has been refinished and is in very good condition with only light, age-commensurate wear. Note that the aluminum rails are included (the black backings are ledger boards that we mounted in order to work with the conduit we have running along our wall - they are not necessary for standard wall-mounting and will not be included). Decorative objects/seating are for illustration purposes only. Keep reading for more detailed dimensions. H: 108.63" x L: 139.25" x D: 14" / 40" (cabinet door open including rail). Each section measures roughly L: 28.63" including rails / 26.5" space between rails Shelves: H: 1.25" x L: 27.5" x D: 10" / 11.5" including rails Bar Cabinet: H: 27.75" x L: 55" x D: 12.25" (closed) / 25.75" (with door down discounting rail) / 27.5" (bar cabinet door...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 102.37 in W 224.41 in D 19.69 in
Osvaldo Borsani E22 Bookcase Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This large E22 bookcase or wall unit was designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno in the 1950s. It is constructed of metal, wood, and glass and measures 5.7 metres in wi...
Metal
Tecno E22 Bookcase Rosewood Italy 1960s
By Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Wall bookcase that needs to be fixed to the wall, with container elements with glass doors and aluminum profiles, with hinged and retractable opening, desk top with double drawer, an...
Metal
Sold
H 110.24 in W 18.9 in D 82.68 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern E22 Wall Bookcase by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern aluminum, solid wood and smoked glass E22 model wall bookcase, designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1960s. Wall bookcase model E22 with aluminum uprig...
Aluminum
Wall Bookcase E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wall Unit; Bookcase; E22; Osvaldo Borsani; Tecno; 1960s; Italian Design; Shelves; Writing Desk; Working Desk; Table; Writing Table; Wall Piece; Modular; Italian mid-century moder...
Metal
Sold
H 130.32 in W 33.86 in D 16.15 in
Osvaldo Borsani Bookcase Lacquered Wood Brass Skai, 1950s-1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Floor-to-ceiling bookcase with wall anchoring, with adjustable shelves through sliding on brass rails, lacquered wood and skai covered wood.
Brass
Sold
H 130.32 in W 33.86 in D 16.15 in
Osvaldo Borsani Bookcase Lacquered Wood Brass Skai, 1950s-1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Floor-to-ceiling bookcase with wall anchoring, with adjustable shelves through sliding on brass rails, lacquered wood and skai covered wood.
Brass