"Maralunga" 3-seater by Vico Magistretti / Cassina
About the Item
- Creator:Cassina (Manufacturer),Vico Magistretti (Designer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 28.35 in (72 cm)Width: 93.71 in (238 cm)Depth: 37.41 in (95 cm)Seat Height: 16.93 in (43 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Wien, AT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7393237745282
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: Wien, Austria
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- "Maralunga" 2-seater by Vico Magistretti / CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Wien, WienThe "Maralunga" 2-seater, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, is a classic and iconic collection in the world of Italian furniture. Introduced in the 1970s, the Maralunga sofa ...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- "Maralunga" Set by Vico Magistretti / CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Wien, WienThe "Maralunga" set, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, is a classic and iconic collection in the world of Italian furniture. Introduced in the 1970s, the Maralunga sofa is pa...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Table Lamp by Temde Leuchten, 1960sBy Temde LeuchtenLocated in Wien, WienCrafted by Swiss manufacturer Temde during the 1960s, this exquisite table lamp seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetic allure. A rarity in its own right, it serves as a lum...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- "Lunario" Coffee Table by Cini Boeri / Gavina, 1970By Cini Boeri, GavinaLocated in Wien, WienThe Lunario low coffee table, a visionary creation by Cini Boeri and skillfully crafted by Gavina in 1970s Italy, stands as an exemplar of innovative design. This early masterpiece b...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsChrome
- "Aton Terra" Floor Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi / Artemide, 1980sBy Artemide, Ernesto GismondiLocated in Wien, WienThe "Aton Terra" floor lamp was designed by the great Ernesto Gismondi for his own company Artemide in the 1980s, Italy. Its adjustable shade allows for upl...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- Sculptural Coffee Table by Knut Hesterberg / Ronald Schmitt, 1960sBy Knut Hesterberg, Ronald SchmittLocated in Wien, WienChatGPT ChatGPT The sculptural coffee table from the 1960s, conceived by Knut Hesterberg and meticulously crafted by Ronald Schmitt in Germany, stands as an emblem of innovative de...Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- 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
- 3-seater Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italy 1973By Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in PARIS, FRThe Maralunga sofa was created in 1973 by Vico Magistretti for the Italian firm Cassina. Known for his creations using simple, essential forms and the use of innovative materials for...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFaux Fur
- Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in The Hague, NLIf it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Bouclé
- Maralunga 3-seater in cream boucle by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in amstelveen, NLThis Maralunga sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This is an original version of the seventies. Reupholstered in a cream fluffy bouclé. With steel structure. ...Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsBouclé
- Maralunga 2-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the 70sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Milan, ITMaralunga two-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. Ribbed light mint green fabric upholstery. The movement of the backrest and lateral armrests is funct...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- 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
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.