Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Vico Magistretti (Designer),Cassina (Manufacturer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 26.38 in (67 cm)Width: 60.63 in (154 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)Seat Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note that the fabric shows minor signs of wear and use and that we advise reupholstery before use.
- Seller Location:Almelo, NL
- Reference Number:
Maralunga Sofa
While origin stories behind the world’s timeless designs vary widely, the story of the Maralunga sofa is one of the best in design lore: As legend has it, when Cassina founder Cesare Cassina first saw the prototype for the piece in the mid-1970s by Italian furniture designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006), he was so disgusted by it that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumbled over itself . . . into the shape the piece would eventually take. (“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” Magistretti allegedly responded.)
Whether it was his accidental adjustment or further consideration of the design, Cassina clearly came around: His company debuted Magistretti’s design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, moved by way of a bicycle chain that runs underneath its plush foam cushions.
The effect is a sofa that serves two functions: It’s both a backdrop for social conversation and a setting for solo relaxation. “My intention with Maralunga was to design an object that represented a whole range of interior architecture with a familiar feel,” Magistretti said of the design. “Two positions, two possible uses, two different ways to create your own personal space inside a room.”
While the Maralunga’s boxy shape is pure ’70s, the sofa holds its own in a range of interiors and remains popular today. Cassina now produces it in a variety of upholstery options and, in 2014, enlisted a slew of designers to reinterpret it in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Vico Magistretti
As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Almelo, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 'Veranda' 3-Seater Fabric Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1980sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Almelo, NLThis multicolored and adjustable sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, circa 1980s. This smart and highly desirable Italian design features seats that are upholstered wi...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Lounge Sofa in Cognac Leather by George Bighinello for Eurosalotto, Italy, 1970sLocated in Almelo, NLLarge lounge sofa in cognac leather by George Bighinello for Eurosalotto, Italy, in the 1970s. A large lounge sofa in cognac leather by George Bi...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Brown Leather DS 61 Sofa by De Sede Switserland 1970sBy De SedeLocated in Almelo, NLBeautiful DS-61 in coffee brown leather sofa by 'De Sede' Switzerland from the 1970s with a lovely patina in good allover condition. This lounge sofa supports tremendous and is an absolute eye-catcher in your interior. De Sede started as a family company in Switzerland and has created several high-end quality leather furniture for the international market. This DS-61 model was produced during the seventies. The welcoming low seat soft cushions are as comfortable as they look, and the faded colour of the leather evokes an excellent vintage atmosphere, which makes this small and very durable set a perfect asset for a lounge corner in a vintage cafe...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Large modular sofa Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova model ''Nuvolone'', Italy 1970sBy Mimo PadovaLocated in Almelo, NLLarge modular sofa Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova model ''Nuvolone'', Italy, the 1970s Large modular sofa by Italian designer Rimo Maturi for manufacturer M...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Mid-Century Modern Bamboo and Leather Sofa, France, 1970sLocated in Almelo, NLMid-Century Modern bamboo and leather sofa, France 1970s. This French sofa was made of bamboo and leather in France in 1970. And would be an eye-catching addition to any interior,...Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Bamboo
- Ligne Roset Marsala Sofa in Black Leather by Michel Ducaroy, France, the 1970sBy Ligne Roset, Michel DucaroyLocated in Almelo, NLLigne Roset Marsala sofa in black leather by Michel Ducaroy, the 1970s. Good-looking black leather Marsala two-seater sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne...Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
MaterialsLeather, Plexiglass
- Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Lasne, BESofa in creamy white fabric. It is possible to open the backrest for more comfort. Height when open: 96 cm. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- 1970s 2-Seater Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Grand Cayman, KYIconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool
- Maralunga 3-Seater Sofa, Original Fabric 1970s Vico Magistretti for CassinaBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in Toronto, CACassina debuted Designer Vico Magistretti’s unique design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, m...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
MaterialsWood, Fabric
- Vintage Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in LOS ANGELES, CALegendary design icon sofa, the 'Maralunga' by Vico Magistretti and fabricated / produced by CASSINA is a quintessential piece of Italian design. Celebrated for it's legendary comfor...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Anni 80By Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Milano, ITSofa with backrest equipped with adjustable position headrest; foam padding, velvet upholstery.Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsVelvet
- Maralunga 2-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1990sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in RADOMSKO, PLDiscover the international bestseller – Maralunga Sofa. With its inviting shapes and unique characteristic feature, the Maralunga series is a testament to innovation and comfort. Eng...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Billy Cotton Layers His Interiors with Lived-In Comfort
The Brooklyn-based designer is adept at styles ranging from austere to over-the-top, espousing an architectural, detail-oriented approach also evident in his line of furniture and lighting.