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Osvaldo Borsani

Italian, 1911-1985

With his stylish and technically innovative furniture, Osvaldo 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.

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. Borsani first worked for his father’s furniture-making firm, Arredamenti Borsani, an atelier influenced by the more expressive and curvaceous wing of Art Deco design.

By 1953, when, along with his twin brother, Fulgenzio — the pair also created this visionary mid-century villa — Borsani opened the furniture company Tecno, his design sensibilities had evolved toward furnishings with strong, simple forms enhanced by mechanical innovations, as with the P40 adjustable armchair. Borsani would be the firm’s lead designer for 30 years, while fostering work by Vico Magistretti, Carlo De Carli, Robin Day and others.

Similar to Gio Ponti in the earliest years of his career, Borsani first created designs marked by lush and buoyant lines: tables with voluptuous curved legs, sofas with undulating backrests.

But Borsani’s best-known and most novel pieces date from Tecno’s initial furniture lines: the adjustable D70 sofa, which folds open to make a daybed, and the P40 recliner. The latter — now included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum — is an articulated lounger with a back, seat and leg rest that can be moved into 486 different positions. Not only is it extremely comfortable, it is also enduringly chic.

Find a collection of vintage Osvaldo Borsani tables, dining chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$4,899
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Iconic Designs from Osvaldo Borsani
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P32 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P32 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, wall-mounted wall unit, metal, white laminated wood, Italy, 1950s  This wall mounted shelving system was designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Its purpose was a co...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Metal

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
H 103.15 in W 84.26 in D 15.16 in
Osvaldo Borsani Pair of Lounge Chairs in Walnut
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for ABV, lounge chairs, model 6553, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1945 This elegant pair of lounge chairs model 6553 is designed by Osvaldo Borsani and embodies a splendid ...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Osvaldo Borsani Pair of Lounge Chairs in Walnut
Osvaldo Borsani Pair of Lounge Chairs in Walnut
H 38.19 in W 24.81 in D 32.29 in
Osvaldo Borsani Lounge Chair in Walnut and Blue Velvet
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, lounge chair model 3615, walnut, velvet fabric, Italy, 1941 A design by Osvaldo Borsani, this easy chair epitomizes a harmonious fus...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Osvaldo Borsani Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Blue Velvet
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, lounge chairs model 3615, walnut, velvet fabric, Italy, 1941 A design by Osvaldo Borsani, these chairs epitomize a harmonious fusion...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Rare Osvaldo Borsani Vanity Table in Maple with Mirrors and Built-in Lights
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, dressing table, model '6142', maple, brass, mirrored glass, lacquered wood, Italy, 1943 An exquisite and truly exceptional vanity table designed by the Italian Osvaldo Borsani, dating back to around 1943. This rare gem encapsulates the quintessence of Borsani's design ethos: elegant and graceful proportions, fine materials, and unique constellations. Crafted from warm-toned maple, every detail speaks of refinement, from the intricately carved legs adorned with graphic white lines to the kidney-shaped top embellished with a mirrored surface, reflecting one's cherished objects with finesse. An outstanding element is the trio of individual rectangular mirrors with softly rounded contours, equipped with built-in lamps executed within a brass framework, their crown sockets gracefully encircling the lightbulbs. These mirrors are affixed to a maple panel punctuated by three characteristic holes, a signature touch of Borsani. A discreet drawer offers practical storage while maintaining the table's sleek aesthetic. In every aspect, this table attests to Borsani's masterful ability to strike the perfect balance between the orante elegance of Art Deco and the daring approach towards materiality and streamlined functionality of Modernism. Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) was an Italian designer and architect, raised by a family of fine furniture makers in Varedo. At the age of 16, he joined his father’s furniture shop, the Atelier di Varedo, which was fully engaged in designing and furnishing homes inspired by the Italian Art Deco movement. The designer of the atelier was the Italian architect Gino Maggioni (1898-1955) who was known for his Viennese Jugendstil orientation of the early 20th century. In the 1930s, he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and Politecnico di Milano, where he studied Fine Arts and Architecture respectively. In 1932, the family company was renamed ‘Arredamenti Borsani’ and opened its first studio in Milan. During this period, he encountered Avant-Garde artists of various artistic disciplines like Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Agenore Fabbri (1911-1998), Aligi Sassu (1912-2000), Roberto Crippa (1921-1972), Fausto Melotti (1901-1986), Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926-) and Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002). These collaborations resulted in the creation of furniture and interior design projects with a high-level of craftsmanship and artistry. In 1953, Borsani founded together with his twin brother Fulgenzio Borsani ‘Tecno’, a design and manufacturing company that produced items based on mechanical innovations and refined technicality. The ‘P40’ adjustable lounge chair (1953) has become the ideological manifesto of Borsani's Tecno program, and still remains the best known, exemplary piece in the Tecno catalogue. Other iconic works that were produced by Tecno were created by Gio Ponti (1891-1979), Vico cham...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Brass, Steel

Osvaldo Borsani & Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Oval Dining Table in Marble
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, dining table 'T102', lady onyx marble, brass-plated steel, Italy, 1964 The designers Borsani and Gerli created an outstanding piece of furniture together that deserves a prominent place in one's living room. Designed for Italian manufacturer Tecno, this dining room table originates from 1964. The tabletop owns its intricate appearance due to the lady onyx marble with its expressive grey veins alternated by pink hues. In addition, the brass base carries a concave construction that gently remind of organic occurring dynamics. Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) was an Italian designer and architect, raised by a family of fine furniture makers in Varedo. At the age of 16, he joined his father’s furniture shop, the Atelier di Varedo, which was fully engaged in designing and furnishing homes inspired by the Italian Art Deco movement. The designer of the atelier was the Italian architect Gino Maggioni (1898-1955) who was known for his Viennese Jugendstil orientation of the early 20th century. In the 1930s, he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and Politecnico di Milano, where he studied Fine Arts and Architecture respectively. In 1932, the family company was renamed ‘Arredamenti Borsani’ and opened its first studio in Milan. During this period, he encountered Avant-Garde artists of various artistic disciplines like Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Agenore Fabbri (1911-1998), Aligi Sassu (1912-2000), Roberto Crippa (1921-1972), Fausto Melotti (1901-1986), Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926-) and Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002). These collaborations resulted in the creation of furniture and interior design projects with a high-level of craftsmanship and artistry. In 1953, Borsani founded together with his twin brother Fulgenzio Borsani ‘Tecno’, a design and manufacturing company that produced items based on mechanical innovations and refined technicality. The ‘P40’ adjustable lounge chair (1953) has become the ideological manifesto of Borsani's Tecno program, and still remains the best known, exemplary piece in the Tecno catalogue. Other iconic works that were produced by Tecno were created by Gio Ponti (1891-1979), Vico cham...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Marble, Steel, Brass

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Wall Unit in Walnut
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, wall unit 'E22', walnut, glass, polished steel, Italy, 1957 This wall-mounted shelving unit is designed by Osvaldo Borsani and is four sections large, wit...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Osvaldo Borsani

Materials

Steel

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Wall Unit in Walnut
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Wall Unit in Walnut
H 104.73 in W 110.24 in D 18.51 in
Browse all Furniture from Osvaldo Borsani
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Creators Similar to Osvaldo Borsani

More Osvaldo Borsani Designs
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa
Average Price
$8,919
Number Available
20
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa
By Osvaldo Borsani
Materials
Fabric, Metal, Brass, Steel
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Chair
Average Price
$8,060
Number Available
18
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Chair
By Osvaldo Borsani
Materials
Metal, Fabric, Steel, Brass, Animal Skin, Leather
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair
Average Price
$7,103
Number Available
5
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair
By Osvaldo Borsani
Materials
Wood, Metal, Plywood
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Osvaldo Borsani P32 Chair
Osvaldo Borsani P32 Chair
Average Price
$3,920
Number Available
4
Osvaldo Borsani P32 Chair
By Osvaldo Borsani
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All

Osvaldo Borsani furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Osvaldo Borsani furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Osvaldo Borsani furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Osvaldo Borsani were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ico Parisi, Gianfranco Frattini, and B&B Italia. Prices for Osvaldo Borsani furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $330 and can go as high as $397,156, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,205.

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