Osvaldo Borsani, for Tecno

OSVALDO BORSANI (Varedo, Italy, 1911 – Milan, 1985) for Tecno.
Coffee table.
Black-lacquered metal.
Features a Tecno manufacturer’s plate.
In good condition.
Measurements: 40 x 120 x 120 cm.

This coffee table reflects the architectural concept and geometric precision characteristic of Osvaldo Borsani’s design for Tecno, an Italian firm that pioneered the integration of technological innovation and industrial furniture production. It stands out for its distinctly horizontal composition, articulated through angular surfaces that create an interesting interplay of lines and volumes. The square tabletop is formed by geometric planes that converge toward a central opening, creating an effect of depth and visual dynamism. The black finish reinforces the composition’s boldness and highlights the precision of its structural joints. The piece embodies an essential aesthetic with a distinctly sculptural character.

Osvaldo Borsani was one of the key figures in 20th-century Italian design. Trained at the Polytechnic University of Milan, he won a silver medal at the 5th Milan Triennial in 1933. In 1953, together with his brother Fulgenzio, he founded the firm Tecno, through which he spearheaded an innovative approach to furniture production characterized by technical experimentation and functional versatility. Among his most renowned creations are the D70 sofa and the P40 armchair. His work is represented in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and in 2018, the Milan Triennale dedicated a major retrospective exhibition to him, curated by Norman Foster and Tommaso Fantoni.