Roche Bobois Early Production Mah Jong Elements, Pair, Signed, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Hans Hopfer (Designer),Roche Bobois (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 39 in (99.06 cm)Depth: 39 in (99.06 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Excellent 'mint' reupholstered condition. Roche Bobois logo fabric underneath has wear including older stains. We washed the fabric before reupholstery but it still has the vintage wear to it, but is underneath. Roche Bobois Labels underneath.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1330219416702
Hans Hopfer
German designer and artist Hans Hopfer had a profound impact on furniture design that still guides the choices we make about our spaces today. Affectionately dubbed “seating landscapes,” Hopfer’s forward-looking collections of inviting, modular low-profile seating, such as the widely revered Mah Jong sofa for Roche Bobois, allowed for optimal customized arrangements in one’s living room, an innovation that reshaped relaxation at home in a significant and lasting way.
Hopfer designed modern furniture for a manufacturer in Nuremberg during the 1960s. He met Phillippe Roche in 1970 and began his collaboration with the Roche Bobois company. When the popularity of cable television took hold in more major American cities during the 1970s, sofas and other seating became integral to contemporary living-room decor. Roche Bobois’s newly launched Les Contemporains series positioned its own sofas front and center, and it also offered plush lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini.
Bold works from Roche Bobois during the decade included one of its most enduring and well-known pieces — the Mah Jong sectional sofa created by Hopfer in 1971. Anchored by few central elements, this modular lounge sofa can be combined or stacked, giving the buyer total freedom over its appearance and the ability to maximize comfort with its plump cushions. Inspired by a tile-based game that originated in China, the Mah Jong has been in production since its debut. It is still handmade in a workshop in Italy today.
Composed of low seating elements and large cushions, Hopfer’s Mah Jong sofa has seen some high-profile fabric updates by Missoni, Jean Paul Gaultier and Japanese clothing designer Kenzo Takada, who worked with Roche Bobois to craft fabrics emblazoned with geometrically dynamic patterns to be used as upholstery for the firm’s iconic piece of furniture.
Primarily a sculptor and painter by trade, Hopfer worked and lived between Buenos Aires, Nuremberg and Paris. In addition to the work he did for Roche Bobois — which included his Informel armchairs and sofas — he also created modular furniture for the Wiener Werkstatte, a collective of artists and designers born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20th century.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Hans Hopfer lounge chairs, armchairs and sofas.
Roche Bobois
In 1974, Roche Bobois opened its first showroom in the United States on Madison Avenue in New York City. The celebrated luxury French furniture brand is now in 50 countries with more than 200 stores.
The Roche Bobois story has origins in 1950, when entrepreneur Jacques Roche converted an old Paris theater into two contemporary furniture boutiques so that his sons could help usher stunning Bauhaus-inspired work out of the shops and into French homes nearby.
At another showroom called Au Beau Bois, also in the French capital city, the Chouchan family was simultaneously selling home furnishings. The families met later, when Philippe and François Roche convened with Patrick and Jean-Claude Chouchan at a furniture exhibition in Copenhagen in 1960 and afterward produced a catalog announcing their partnership.
Minimal and modernist Scandinavian design had gained prominence in the furniture industry by 1960, rendering designers such as Kaare Klint and Poul Henningsen marquee names — and Roche Bobois's principals had taken notice. Following a national advertising campaign in Elle magazine a year later, the Scandinavian furniture that the newly minted Roche Bobois was importing to Paris became a huge success. Early promotional material from the firm likely included the sleek modular wall units crafted in rosewood by Danish furniture maker Poul Cadovius. It didn’t take long for Roche Bobois to shift toward producing its own contemporary furniture line.
When the popularity of cable television took hold in more major American cities during the 1970s, sofas and other seating became integral to contemporary living-room decor. Roche Bobois’s newly launched Les Contemporains series positioned its own sofas front and center, and it also offered plush lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini.
Bold works from the company during the decade included Marc Berthier’s Pop Art–colored tubular metal desks and chairs — the latter covered with braided fabric — as well as one of Roche Bobois’s most enduring and well-known pieces, the Mah Jong sectional sofa created by sculptor, painter and designer Hans Hopfer. Anchored by few central elements, this modular lounge sofa can be combined or stacked, giving the buyer total freedom over its appearance and the ability to maximize comfort.
Since its inception, Roche Bobois has worked with many internationally renowned architects and designers on its collections, among them Paola Navone and Vladimir Kagan. Even fashion designers such as Missoni and Emanuel Ungaro have made contributions to the company’s lineup.
In 2010, Roche Bobois marked its 50-year anniversary by debuting a partnership with French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. A decade later, Roche Bobois teamed up with Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, who designed a collection of organically shaped sofas as well as vibrant, colorful accent pillows and rugs.
Roche Bobois’s offerings over the years have included everything from mid-century modern armchairs to Art Deco case pieces to sculptural outdoor cocktail tables framed in metal wire — shop these classics now on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 'Mah Jong' Living Room Set by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois, SignedBy Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans HopferLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis large 22-piece living room set designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is called the "Mah Jong" sectional sofa with fabric and leather selections by Jean Paul Gaultier. Signed with Roche Bobois / Jean Paul Gaultier labels and repeat fabric. Included in this set are twenty two (22) pieces in total which include 12 square seat cushions (which also function as large ottomans and can be stacked), 4 straight backs, 2 corner backs, and 4 throw pillows. Unique to this set, which is quite rare, of the twenty two total pieces, two are light blue leather cushions with two light blue leather seat backs. The best part of this set is that you can mix and match the cushions and seat backs to make any style arrangement you wish, and create a customized room which you can change as frequently as your heart desires... you can create small and large sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs and ottomans using the cushions and seat backs. We also have other large Mah Jong sets available which can be combined with this set, if desired. Contact us for more details. Ideal for all kinds of uses... consider this set for a large screening room, den or living room, bedroom seating, entertainment room, commercial uses such as a hotel or boutique lounge, you can even spread the pieces around the house and put some in a large walk-in closet / dressing room, kids room, classroom or training room, and for those limited on space in an apartment - you can stack the cushions and then spread them out when you have company. A great way to make the most of space by keeping versatile with this Roche Bobois Mah Jong seating system. Originally designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer the 'Mah Jong' seating system is as iconic today as it was then. Here is what Roche Bobois has to say about this design and the designer: Painter, sculptor, designer... Hans Hopfer designed sofas that are, for many, the indisputable “signature” of Roche Bobois’ collections. In the 1970s, Hopfer’s innovative and informal approach to comfort had a profound influence on the way people furnished and arranged their living space. In 1971, he created the Mah Jong, a sofa based on the total freedom of function and form. Starting with three basic elements that can be combined or stacked, the Mah Jong allows limitless options of composition. It can be an armchair, sofa, lounge chair or bed; a space in which to rest, to play or to lounge. It encourages experimentation and breaks the rules of formal living, reflecting the nonconformist era in which it was born. Avant-garde when first created, iconic today, and “dressed” by Missoni Home, Kenzo Takada and Jean Paul Gaultier, this “free form” modular seating is the reference point for fully modular and creative design. This large Mah Jong sectional sofa system by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois would work great in a Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Use this set to create sofa sections, settee sections, easy chair sections, ottomans and chaises, even a large daybed or room sized night-bed using...Category
2010s French Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Leather
- De Sede DS-600 'Non-Stop Sectional Sofa' in Cognac Leather, 22 Elements, SignedBy De Sede, Stendig Co., Ueli BergerLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis classic twenty-two (22) element cognac leather DS-600 'Non-Stop Sectional Sofa' by Swiss maker De Sede and distributed by Stendig, also referred to as the 'Snake' sectional sofa...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Fabric
- Early 'Camaleonda' Sectional by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1971, SignedBy Mario Bellini, B&B ItaliaLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis monumentally sized modular 'Camaleonda' sectional living room set (fourteen pieces in total) by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, each section signed with labels as can be seen in the photos. Included in the set are eight (8) full-sized seat sections, each is quite large and spacious which adds to the incredible comfort. And six (6) full-sized seat backs leaving two of the seat sections to be used as ottomans or free-floating seat elements to open the sectional to either side. This set has been previously professionally reupholstered with only light use and in very good condition. Designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 for C&B Italia, later produced after 1973 by B&B Italia after Piero Busnelli bought out Cassina and changed the name to B&B. This set consists of six sections labelled with C&B labels and two sections with B&B labels, meaning that most of this set was produced between 1970 and 1973 - the original production years of the Camaleonda, and making this set ideal for collectors and investors of art and design. *We have a large quantity of other Camaleonda elements (C&B Italia and B&B Italia examples, both in mohair fabric and in leather including some sets ready for reupholstery to a new fabric or leather of your choice) if you are looking for a larger set, contact us to discuss. MEASUREMENTS: *This is a modular set with fourteen (14) total pieces and can be configured in many ways as each seating section can be placed wherever you desire and the seat backs can be fixed to the seating elements where you want. You can configure as one large sectional sofa, three-seat couch with loveseats...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- 'Camaleonda' in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, SignedBy B&B Italia, Mario BelliniLocated in Los Angeles, CAIf you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the fir...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Rare 'Unicorn' Leather and Aluminum Curved Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, c. 1963By Vladimir KaganLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis extremely rare and highly sought-after collectors piece by Vladimir Kagan is his Model #U-522 'Unicorn' curved sofa by Vladimir Kagan Designs Inc. designed and produced circa 1963, shortly after Kagan separated from Hugo Dreyfuss of Kagan-Dreyfuss. This investment grade collectible design features soft and supple light grey tufted leather over two aluminum 'Unicorn' bases, large enough to seat four people. There is not much comparison for this awe inspiring statement piece, ideal for an interior designer looking for a show-stopper that is fitting for the most demanding and critical client. Incredible design of utmost rarity and fabulous ready-to-use condition with that light patina you want to see. From an art/ design collector's perspective - this sofa is simply the bees knees...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsAluminum
- T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed SofaBy T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.Located in Los Angeles, CAThis stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Mah Jong 21 Piece Sofa for Roche Bobois by Hans Hopfer, 1970s ItalyBy Hans Hopfer, Roche BoboisLocated in Los Angeles, CAStunning Mah Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. An iconic sofa design made in Italy in a beautiful and vibrant corduroy. A particularly large set which includes 12 f...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Mah Jong sofa in yellow chenille by Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, France, 1970sBy Roche Bobois, Hans HopferLocated in amstelveen, NLRoche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, yellow/gold chenille fabric. 1st edition reupholstered Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It features multiple ...Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Chenille
- Mah Jong sofa in beige/sand fabric by Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, France, 1970sBy Hans Hopfer, Roche BoboisLocated in amstelveen, NLRoche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, beige/sand fabric, Pierre Frey Ankor fabric. 1st edition reupholstered Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It f...Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa in Custom Upholstery, Set of 5By Roche Bobois, Hans HopferLocated in London, GBOriginally designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971, the Mah Jong sofa has become a design classic. Since its original conception, Roche Bobois has collaborated with a varie...Category
2010s French Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Le Mah Jong Modular Element Pair, Missoni Corner Lounge Chair, Roche Bobois 2015By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche BoboisLocated in Brooklyn, NYMah-Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and a textile from the house of Missoni. This listing is for a set of two mah Jong elements as follows: a ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsSilk, Velvet
- Le Mah Jong Roche Bobois Custom Springtime Pastel Modular Sofa Sectional SetBy Hans Hopfer, Roche BoboisLocated in Brooklyn, NYLe Mah Jong Roche Bobois custom springtime pastel modular sofa l sectional set. This listing is for a set of 5 square elements, 2 straight back elements and 2 c...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsTextile