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.
Mah-Jong Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in Missoni Home Fabric , 12 Pieces
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Seattle, WA
A modular 12-piece Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in Missoni Fabric, 2019 production. The set is in good condition, with light fabric wear on a few pieces and...
Fabric, Foam
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 Wiener Werkstätte Castell Sectional Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
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
Mah Jong sofa in iced blue cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in amstelveen, NL
Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular sofa, ice blue/green cotton velvet, Hans Hopfer, 1970s. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois...
Fabric
Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois (1970s) ink blue velvet
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois (1970s) reupholstered in ink blue velvet. Sublime nine piece set, endlessly modular, just in from east coast auction. Viewabl...
Velvet, Foam
$24,212 / set
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa, Set of Eight
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rochester, England
The Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa, Set of Eight, is a vibrant and versatile icon of modern design. Designed in the 1980s, this modular set allows for endless seating configura...
Fabric, Foam
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
Mah Jong 33 piece sofa by Hans Hopfer in Missoni / Kenzo fabric for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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 Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier, 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 Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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, Plywood
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Croissant Sofa with Lounge Chair Off-White Fabric
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, sofa with lounge chair reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s The Croissant sofa with lounge chair, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, epito...
Fabric
Playpen Sectional by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in Gingham
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. France. Ginghan cotton fabric with foam structure. Each piece: 34L 34W 24H 12SH
Fabric
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, 1970s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, candy velvet, 1970s A sculptural presence in any room, the "Brioche" sofa by Hans Hopfer for Rolf Benz embodies t...
Velvet
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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 Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
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 Wiener Werkstätte Castell Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
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
$39,000
H 27 in W 190 in D 114 in
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
$26,645 / set
H 6.7 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong sofa in ‘Kenzo Takada’ fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very nice Mah Jong modular sofa with the original and colorfull ‘Kenzo Takada’ fabric! Designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France. In the 1970s Hans Hopfer created the Mah Jong...
Fabric
$13,627 / 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
$5,589Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 72.84 in D 34.65 in
De Sede DS46 Cognac Buffalo Leather Sectional Sofa, Switzerland - 1976
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
De Sede DS-46 sofa in thick Buffalo leather. Good condition with signs of age, use and fading. Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: De Sede Country: Switzerland Model: DS-46 sofa Design ...
Leather
$48,554 / set
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Large Mah Jong sofa in original fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 35 pieces
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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, Plywood
$5,000 / set
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Hans Hopfer 'Mah Jong' Sectional Sofa Lounge Chair by Roche Bobois, France 1990s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Wien, AT
In 1971, Hans Hopfer created the Mah Jong Sofa for Roche Bobois: a system of fully modular floor units that champion complete freedom of form and function. Avant-garde at the time of...
Fabric
$24,000 / set
H 21.5 in W 114 in D 78 in
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931). The sofa is a "Composition Missoni" featuring dramati...
Fabric, Foam
Jean-Paul Gaultier Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and chic Jean Paul Gaultier edition Mah Jong modular sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The dramatic 21st century sofa features excl...
Fabric, Foam
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
$17,500Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 26 in W 118.5 in D 115.5 in
5 Piece Outdoor Mah Jong Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Las Vegas, NV
RARELY available 5 Piece Outdoor Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Kopfer for Roche Bobois with platforms. Set consists of 2 corner pieces, 2 chair pieces and a single cushion. 3 single platforms and 2 corners. There are lots of possible configurations. Matching pieces are still available for purchase from Roche Bobois if you would like to expand the set as well. Although designed for the outdoors, it could definitely be used indoor. **SET OF AUTHENTIC ROCHE BOBOIS OUTDOOR...
Metal
Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Marseille, FR
Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 1970s, entirely reupholstered by Relax Factory workshop in Marseille, France, in a beautiful Limon linen Pierre Frey fabric. Excellent...
Linen
$25,000 / set
H 28 in W 116.5 in D 68.5 in
Mah Jong Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare 21st century Mah Jong "Composition Natsu-Kenzo Takada" sectional modular sofa with gilt beech wood platforms. The Natsu sofa was commissioned in 2021 to mark the 5...
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Sectional Sofa in Red Velvet
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 'Mah Jong' modular sofa, velvet fabric, France, designed in 1971 'Mah Jong' modular sofa by Hans Hopfer for...
Velvet
Sold
H 20.87 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
Exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier Edition Mah Jong Sofa by Roche Bobois - France
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
'Haute Couture' edition Mah Jong sofa by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois. Gaultier named the design of the fabric Haute Couture. The Mah Jong sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer in...
Fabric, Foam, Bentwood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 106.3 in D 141.74 in
Very rare Castell Sofa in original fabric by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Wiener Werkstätte “Castell” Modular Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer, Austria 1972 Original Soft Velvet Modular Lounge System in Warm Brown A rare and highly expressive modular seating...
Velvet
Mah-Jong Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 12 Pieces
By Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Seattle, WA
A 12-piece Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, in a mix of Kenzo Takada Fabric and Missoni Fabric. The set is in good condition, with light fabric wear on a few p...
Fabric, Foam
Mah-Jong Sectional Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 18 Pieces
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
Located in Seattle, WA
A substantial 18 pieces Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, in a mix of Kenzo Takada Fabric and Missoni Fabric. The set is in good condition, with light fabric we...
Fabric, Foam
Mah Jong Sofa, Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. Fully modular design allows for sofa to be set up as a sectional, a long sofa, or a conversation pit. A rare example in a textured, k...
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 27.56 in W 159.45 in D 84.65 in
Mah Jong 17-piece sectional sofa in Kenzo Takada fabric, Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
Located in amstelveen, NL
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 arranged ...
Cotton, Silk, Velvet
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 Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer
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