Overview
Exceptionally rare T69 XL dining table designed by Osvaldo Borsani in collaboration with Eugenio Gerli for Tecno in the late 1950s, featuring a distinctive five-legged sculptural base with brushed brass laminate detailing and an original circular smoked glass tabletop.
Unlike the standard four-legged T69 versions, typically produced with a maximum diameter of 140 cm, this exceptional XL variation features a 150 cm diameter tabletop supported by five elegantly curved legs.
The patented five-legged configuration was produced in extremely limited quantities due to its considerably higher manufacturing costs, making this table an outstanding example of rare Italian mid-century modern design.
Description
The T69 XL represents one of the most distinctive and uncommon variations of the celebrated T69 table by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno.
Its remarkable five-legged sculptural pedestal base consists of curved aluminum elements with brushed brass laminate surfaces and contrasting dark finishes.
The legs extend gracefully outward from a central structure, creating a sophisticated radial composition characterized by flowing architectural lines.
The table features its original circular smoked glass tabletop, measuring 150 cm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness. Five precisely shaped notches in the glass correspond to the supporting elements, ensuring accurate positioning on the base.
This unusual construction reflects the technical experimentation and exceptional craftsmanship associated with Tecno's early production.
Design & Function
The T69 XL perfectly illustrates the innovative approach to furniture design developed by Borsani and Gerli during their collaboration with Tecno.
The additional fifth leg was introduced to accommodate the enlarged tabletop while maintaining structural balance and visual harmony.
The five curved supports radiating from the central structure create an elegant contrast between organic movement and the geometric precision of the circular glass top.
With its generous 150 cm diameter, the table is ideally suited to sophisticated dining rooms, executive offices, and refined residential interiors, combining practical proportions with a remarkable architectural presence.
Materials & Aesthetic
The T69 XL combines painted aluminum, brushed brass laminate, and original smoked glass in a sophisticated composition.
The sculptural base contrasts dark-painted structural elements with the warm golden tones of brushed brass, whose surfaces follow the elegant curvature of each leg.
The original smoked glass tabletop introduces a refined dark transparency, complementing the base while emphasizing the table's distinctive silhouette.
Its substantial 14 mm thickness and precisely shaped notches demonstrate the attention to detail characteristic of Tecno's finest Italian modernist furniture.
Technical Details
Product: T69 XL Dining Table by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
Designer: Osvaldo Borsani in collaboration with Eugenio Gerli
Manufacturer: Tecno S.p.A., Italy
Period: Late 1950s
Materials: Painted aluminum, brushed brass laminate, original smoked glass
Dimensions: Height: 65 cm | Diameter: 150 cm | Glass thickness: 14 mm
Condition: This table is in excellent vintage condition. The original smoked glass tabletop is exceptionally well preserved, with no scratches, chips, or cracks. The aluminum base shows minimal signs of age consistent with its period and has been carefully and partially refinished in the central section.
Collectibility
The T69 XL by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno represents an exceptionally rare variation of an important Italian postwar modernist design.
Its patented five-legged construction required significantly higher manufacturing costs than the standard four-legged models, resulting in very limited production.
The presence of its original 150 cm smoked glass tabletop, complete with the distinctive five-notch configuration, further enhances its historical significance and collectibility.
An exceptional collector's piece, particularly desirable for enthusiasts of Osvaldo Borsani, Eugenio Gerli, and rare Italian mid-century modern furniture.
Designer & Manufacturer
Osvaldo Borsani (1911–1985) was one of the most influential Italian architects and furniture designers of the twentieth century, renowned for combining traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation.
Born in Varedo, Italy, he developed his expertise within the family furniture business before founding Tecno in 1953 with his brother Fulgenzio Borsani. His pioneering work contributed significantly to the evolution of Italian modern furniture and industrial design.
Eugenio Gerli (1923–2013) was an Italian architect and designer whose work explored the relationship between furniture, architecture, and industrial production. His collaboration with Tecno resulted in innovative designs distinguished by structural experimentation and refined proportions.
Tecno S.p.A., founded in 1953 by Osvaldo and Fulgenzio Borsani, became one of the most influential manufacturers in Italian industrial design.
Internationally renowned for combining technological research, precision engineering, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship, the company pioneered innovative furniture solutions that helped define postwar modernism.
Its early collections, including the celebrated T69 series, embody Tecno's commitment to sophisticated aesthetics and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Today, Tecno's historic creations remain highly sought after by collectors, architects, and design institutions worldwide.
