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.
1st Edition Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois c.1975
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Lutz, FL
Iconic First Edition Mah Jong Modular Sectional Sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France c.1975. Upholstered in the original multi tonal blue knit fabric with threads of ...
Fabric
Mah Jong 33 piece sofa by Hans Hopfer in Missoni / Kenzo fabric for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Large Mah Jong sectional sofa in original fabric designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in fabric by Missoni and Kenzo Takada. The 2 brown cushions in the video are not included in...
Fabric
Rare Hans Hopfer 'Super Lounge' Sofa for Roche Bobois - France 1970s
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare “Super Lounge” sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. This model is very similar to the Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer but much rarer. A Sculptural Icon o...
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Bentwood
Large Mah Jong sofa in original fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 35 pieces
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Large Mah Jong sectional sofa in original fabric designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in original fabric. The sofa features 35 pieces: 20 seat cushions 9 backrest (2 corner back...
Fabric, Foam
'Paysage' beige chenille modular sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rara Paysage sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. This sofa features lines that evoke the beauty of flower petals, representing both elegance and sophistication while encouraging r...
Chenille
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Sectional Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte. This grand ...
Leather
$17,336Sale Price / set|35% Off
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 11-element sofa by H. Hopfer fabrics Missoni
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Milano, MI
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in beige mohair velvet, Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in Mohair wool, Roche Bobois, 1970 Sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer and manufactured by Roche Bobois in France circa 1970. A very rare ...
Mohair, Velvet
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Milano, MI
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
Mid-Century Hans Hopfer 'Castell' Modular Sofa, Knoll Fabric, Five Pieces
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Hopfer designed the Castell modular seating system for Wiener Werkstätte, exemplifying the Austrian approach to flexible furniture design during the Mid-Century period. The syst...
Upholstery
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte Modular 'Castell' Sofa with Side Tables
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa and tables, glass, metal, fabric, ash, Austria, design 1972, later production Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by ...
Fabric
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' Sectional Sofa
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte. Th...
Leather
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' lounge chair, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable lounge chair designed by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte. This grand ...
Leather
Roche Bobois Cream Leather Sectional Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the epitome of luxury and style - the Sectional Sofa by Roche Bobois. This stunning piece features a sleek and modern design, perfect for any contemporary living space. C...
Leather
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and iconic 1st edition circa 1971 Mah Jong modular sectional sofa consisting of ten element pillows. The sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in this avant-garde de...
Fabric, Foam
$13,544 / set
H 26.38 in W 118.12 in D 78.75 in
ROCHE BOBOIS 11 PiECE KENZO MAH JONG BY HANS HOPFER CORNER MODULAR SOFA SET
By Roche Bobois
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this collectable Roche Bobois 11 Piece Kenzo Mah Jong Corner sofa set by Hans Hopfer Please note the deliv...
Upholstery
Roche Bobois Eighteen Piece Mah Jong Set
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Basildon, London
The Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sofa, a design icon by Hans Hopfer, epitomises modular versatility and luxurious comfort. The set showcases Roche Bobois' signature patterns, creating a har...
Foam, Upholstery
$2,813Sale Price|68% Off
H 36.62 in W 141.74 in D 98.43 in
Beige chenille sectional sofa, 3 pieces, 1970s
Located in Manzano, IT
Beige chenille sectional sofa, 3 pieces, 1970s More information on the article Plywood frame, polyurethane seat and fabric Measurements mod.1 - H48 x W190 x D120 Measurements mod.2 -...
Chenille
$34,000 / set
H 21 in W 190 in D 115 in
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2015
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular sectional sofa designed in the midcentury by Hans Hopfer. The dramatic sofa features Kenzo Takada (Japanese 1939-2020) and Missoni fabrics ...
Fabric, Foam
$14,037
H 35.44 in W 106.3 in D 35.44 in
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in beige mohair velvet, Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in Mohair wool, Roche Bobois, 1970 Sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer and manufactured by Roche Bobois in France circa 1970. A very rare ...
Mohair, Velvet
$10,528 / set
H 23.63 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Voyage Immobile Modular Sofa by Studio Roche Bobois for Roche Bobois x Kenzo
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
Located in Conversano, IT
Extraordinary modular sofa from the "Voyage Immobile" collection, designed by Studio Roche Bobois in the 1990s - an iconic piece of contemporary design...
Fabric
$1,150 / set
H 14.5 in W 34 in D 34 in
Hans Hopfer Castell Modular Ottoman Set, Multicolor Upholstery, 1960s
By Hans Hopfer, Josef Hoffmann and Konrad Schindel for Wiener Werkstatte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Hopfer's innovative Castell modular ottoman system showcases the designer's revolutionary approach to functional furniture for Wiener Werkstätte. These two interlocking pieces f...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
$52,825 / set
H 25.99 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
De Sede DS-88 Landscape Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather, Switzerland 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Tan leather DS88 sofa in patchwork by De Sede. The sofa is sectional so it can be set-up in different ways to your own liking. The sofa...
Leather
$4,400
H 25.2 in W 39.38 in D 38.19 in
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Post-Modern Lounge in Off-White Fabric
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, lounge chair, reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s This substantial lounge chair as part of the 'Croissant' sofa is designed by Hans Hopfer for Ro...
Fabric
1980s Roche Bobois Yellow Leather Down Navy Blue Sectional Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite yellow calf leather and navy stripe corduroys cushions. This design truly resembles the ethos of the ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 112.21 in D 74.81 in
Mah Jong sofa in dark brown cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular sofa, brown velvet, Hans Hopfer, 1970s. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It features mu...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong sofa in cognac chenille byook Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Roche Bobois Mah Jong chaise lounge sofa, Hans Hopfer, 1970s. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It features multiple c...
Fabric
Sold
H 20.87 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
Exclusive Velvet Edition Jean Paul Gaultier Mah Jong Sofa by Roche Bobois
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare plush velvet Haute Couture edition 'Mah Jong' sofa by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois. Gaultier named the fabric design for the sofa Haute Couture. Most Jean Paul Gaultier sofa...
Fabric, Foam, Velvet
Sold
H 29.5 in W 113 in D 35.25 in
Hans Hopfer 'Castell' Blue Modular Sectional Sofa for Wiener Werkstätte, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic example of Post-Modern design, this highly versatile 'Castell' modular sectional sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for the Neue Wiener Werkstätte in the early 1970s. This si...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 149.61 in D 37.41 in
"Yoru" Mah Jong 12-piece sectional sofa in Kenzo Takada fabric, Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Yoru Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a customized mix of textiles by Kenzo Takada. it features multiple cushions that can be arrang...
Cotton, Silk, Velvet
Sold
H 27.56 in W 149.61 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong sofa in linen cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Huge Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, Hans Hopfer, linen cotton velvet. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It featur...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 112.21 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong sofa in linen cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Huge Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, Hans Hopfer, linen cotton velvet. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It featur...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 187.01 in D 74.81 in
Mah Jong sofa in linen cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Huge Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, Hans Hopfer, linen cotton velvet. 1st edition reupholstered Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois. It features...
Fabric
Sold
H 20.87 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
Jean Paul Gaultier Edition 'Mah Jong' Sofa by Roche Bobois / Hans Hopfer, France
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare Jean Paul Gaultier edition Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. Jean Paul Gaultier specially designed the fabrics for the Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' sofa. The Gault...
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 24.41 in W 75.6 in D 37.8 in
1st edition Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 1970s, France
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Lyon, FR
Mah Jong sectional sofa, first edition, a famous design by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, from the 1970s. Made in France, it is composed of 6 elements : 4 seats and 2 backrests. Enti...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Sold
H 13.78 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
1st Edition 'Mah Jong' Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the 1st Edition 'Mah Jong' sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois — a timeless masterpiece of modern design and luxurious comfort. The fabric is still strong but the Mohair...
Fabric, Mohair, Foam
Sold
H 26.38 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
21thC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
MORE photos are available on request. For competitive shipping quotes, please contact us with you zipcode and we'll ask our shippers. Elevate a living space with this stunning desi...
Fabric