Large T69 Table by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960

A T69 table designed by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Gerli for the Italian company Tecno. The original “Tecno Milano” maker’s label is still present under the top. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the model remains one of the most recognisable Italian tables of the period. Its hallmark is the sculptural base: four curved legs grow from a common centre and spread outwards, down to the floor and up to the top, like a flower or tulip. The base is made of cast aluminium lacquered in matt black, with its outer edges finished in a brushed stainless steel profile. The contrast of black and satin metal emphasises the dynamic lines of the legs and gives the table a light appearance. The round top is made of thick, clear glass with a softly ground edge. It leaves the whole base on view, so the table never overwhelms a room. The top rests on pads at the ends of the base arms which rest in dedicated openings cut into the countertop. The central base stays out of the way of your legs, and the 140 cm diameter comfortably seats up to six people. It is well suited to a dining room, kitchen or living room, or as a meeting table in an office or study. Osvaldo Borsani (1911–1985) was one of the most important Italian architects and designers of the 20th century. In 1953, together with his brother Fulgenzio, he founded Tecno in Varedo near Milan, which quickly became a byword for modern, technically advanced Italian design. His best-known designs include the D70 sofa and the P40 lounge chair. Eugenio Gerli (1923–2013) was a Milanese architect and designer who worked with Tecno for many years. The table is preserved in its original, very good condition. It shows only minor signs of use consistent with its age: light scratches on the legs and one small chip on the edge of the glass top.