Osvaldo Borsani mirror with walnut frame and shaped mirrored glass, Italy, 1940s

Mirror with walnut frame and shaped mirrored glass, design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italian craftsmanship, 1940s

With its sharp, irregular silhouette, this mirror reflects the influence of Art Deco — a style that many prominent Italian designers embraced during the second quarter of the 20th century. The distinctive design of this piece can be attributed to Osvaldo Borsani. Born in 1911, Borsani began showcasing his work at a young age, notably exhibiting at the 5th Triennale di Milano in 1933. His project for the “Casa Minima” was awarded the silver medal — the first of many recognitions for the talented Lombard designer.

A pivotal moment came in 1953 when the Borsani brothers founded the company Tecno, a brand that would go on to symbolize Italian design excellence. This mirror is particularly interesting because, although it predates that period, it already anticipates the key themes that would define Borsani’s later work: artisanal attention to detail, a deep understanding of materials, and an aesthetic approach always grounded in functionality — all hallmarks of his distinctive vision.

Dimensions:
116 cm (height) × 84 cm (width) × 43 cm (depth)
45.7 in (h) × 33.1 in (w) × 16.9 in (d)