AUTHENTIC ‘MAH JONG’ SOFA AND PILLOWS BY HANS HOPFER FOR ROCHE BOBOIS (13 PIECES)

A 13-piece Mah Jong modular sofa set. Designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer for ROCHE BOBOIS, here upholstered in a customized mix of exuberant fabrics from the house of Missoni.

Inspired by the tile-based game developed in 19^th-century China, the Mah Jong is an iconic model of the ROCHE BOBOIS collection. This grouping is comprised of eight stackable floor cushions and five throw pillows and can be arranged into any number of configurations. One of the backrests features an adjustable head support. The flexibility of the Mah Jong system promotes innovation and reflects the enthusiasm and vitality of its design era.

All of the elements are entirely handmade, sewn in a dedicated Italian workshop using the processes and techniques of haute couture, the cushions being hand-stitched in the manner of luxury mattresses. Whatever the environment, the Mah Jong can adapt to become the perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing. ROCHE BOBOIS’ most recognized design.

HANS HOPFER (1931–2009) was a German sculptor, painter, and designer. He spent his time moving between Buenos Aires, Nuremberg, and Paris, and is known for pioneering the concept of “seating landscapes.” This design philosophy, which emerged in the 1970s, emphasized low-profile, modular, highly adaptable seating arrangements, encouraging fluid and informal approaches to living spaces. Hopfer was regarded as one of the world’s leading designers in his day.

His career began in 1964 with the development of a series of concepts that were both modern and efficient. First and foremost, the functionality of furniture must be useful; secondly, its form must be comfortable; and lastly, lines must be designed for longevity.

Hopfer’s first self-branded debut was the Bausystem in 1965. It consisted of a sofa-bed that produced a flat seating area when the bed was stowed. Its streamlined design contained no seams or gaps. Its release was followed in 1967 with the Mobiliante, the first-ever collection that offered a sofa, loveseat, and ottoman. Customers were given the option to purchase one individual piece or all three as a set. The final design contained minimal details while providing maximum comfort for the modern consumer.

The Bausystem and the Mobiliante were stepping stones for Hopfer. In 1970, he met Philippe Roche and began a collaboration with the ROCHE BOBOIS company. As the popularity of cable television surged in America’s major cities, sofas and other seating became integral to contemporary living-room décor, and ROCHE BOBOIS’s newly launched Les Contemporains series positioned its own sofas front and center. It was during this time that Hopfer decided to pivot. He wanted to adjust his product line to focus on a family-friendly product that would still be considered a work of art. He created just that in 1971: the Mah Jong sectional. An award-winning design, it remained highly sought after for decades. Its impact on the furniture industry was profound, and it reshaped in-home relaxation in significant and lasting ways.

In addition to the work he did for ROCHE BOBOIS—which included his Informel armchairs and sofas—Hopfer created modular furniture for the Wiener Werkstätte, a collective of artists and designers born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20^th century. His work received numerous international awards throughout his lifetime.

ROCHE BOBOIS was founded in 1960 after brothers Philippe and François Roche met brothers Patrick and Jean-Claude Chouchan at the Copenhagen Furniture Fair and decided to collaborate. Their partnership initially focused on importing and distributing Scandinavian furniture and soon led to the creation of a unique French luxury brand with a strong international presence. In 1961, ROCHE BOBOIS launched its first catalog and a national advertising campaign in Elle magazine, significantly boosting sales and brand recognition.

Known for high-end, contemporary designs, ROCHE BOBOIS developed a revolutionary retail model that eschewed the ownership of manufacturing resources and focused on distribution. They forged strong relationships with renowned designers and architects that led to unique, high-quality pieces. The company has collaborated with the likes of Pierre Paulin (1927–2009), Kenzo Takada (1939–2020), and Jean Paul Gaultier (b. 1952). Today, ROCHE BOBOIS has over 270 stores worldwide.

DETAILS

Designer – HANS HOPFER

Design Period/Year – 1971

Maker – ROCHE BOBOIS

Production Period/Year – 2000s

Origin – FRANCE

Styles/Movements – ASIAN MODERN; BOHO CHIC; MID-CENTURY MODERN

Materials – FABRIC

Colors – RASPBERRY

Condition – Excellent vintage condition. May show minor signs of previous ownership and use.

Dimensions – 113" W × 77" D × 27" H

Seat Dimensions – 39" W × 22" D × 14" H

Arm Height – 27"

Number of Seats – 4