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 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
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobios Post-Modern Croissant Sofa in Off-White Fabric
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, sofa, reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s The Croissant sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, epitomizes the organic and fluid design ...
Fabric
Mah Jong Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Kenzo Takada
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
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
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa in Dedar Chenille (15 pieces)
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Miami, FL
This iconic Mah Jong modular seating system designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is composed of deep quilted cushions and adjustable backrests, the Mah Jong allows for e...
Upholstery
French colorful modular sofa Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 2000s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in MIlano, IT
French colorful modular sofa Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 2000s Modular sofa mod. Mah Jong composed of 12 square cushions, padded ...
Fabric
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
21stC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Elevate a living space with this stunning designer “Mah Jong” modular sofa suite by Roche Bobois. The set consists of two seat cushions, and two backrests. The layout of the sofa mak...
Fabric
Mah Jong Modular 3-Piece Sofa Suite by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Basel, BS
An iconic three-piece Mah Jong lounge suite, by Roche Bobois, groundbreaking modular seating concept designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971. This set embraces the "ground-level living" revo...
Foam
21stC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Elevate a living space with this stunning designer “Mah Jong” modular sofa suite by Roche Bobois. The set consists of eight seat cushions, and four backrests. Perfect for any lounge,...
Fabric
$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
$26,261 / 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
$13,431 / 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
$47,853 / 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 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, 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
$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
$21,980
H 24 in W 114 in D 114 in
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
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Section Sofa by Kenzo Takada
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
Located in Rochester, England
The Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa is a vibrant and versatile icon of modern design. Designed in the 1980s, this modular set allows for endless seating configurations, blending...
Fabric, Foam
$4,682
H 27.96 in W 45.28 in D 41.34 in
Roche Bobois Hans Hopfer Vintage Informel Cognac Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Roche Bobois armchair Lounge Chair Model Informel in cognac brandy soft aniline leather. Design by Hans Hopfer in the late 70ties. Original l...
Leather, Upholstery, Foam
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
$5,392 / set
H 21.66 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
21stC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Elevate a living space with this stunning designer “Mah Jong” modular sofa suite by Roche Bobois. The set consists of two seat cushions, and two backrests. The layout of the sofa mak...
Fabric
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Sectional Sofa in Red Velvet
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
'Informel' 3 seater Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Brussels, BE
This rare vintage ‘Informel’ sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, embodies the same relaxed sculptural form and exceptional comfort associated with the iconic Michel Ducar...
Leather
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Missoni, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 22 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). This special set measures 19 feet wide and featu...
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Kenzo Takada & Missoni for Roche Bobois, Set of 18
By Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Buccinasco, MI
An iconic and highly decorative Mah Jong modular sofa, originally designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, presented here in a rare and sophisticated configuration upholstered with ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Foam
Mah Jong Sectional Sofa with Missoni Fabric by Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Dallas, TX
A large modular sectional 'Mah Jong' sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. This was custom ordered with Missoni fabrics in 2017 and used sparingly in a guest house. As sho...
Fabric
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2015
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2015
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
Sold
H 25.6 in W 74.02 in D 37.01 in
Black leather Player sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France, 1972
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Lyon, FR
Rare Modular “Player” Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, Early 1970s A rare and iconic modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1972. Upholstered in supple black ...
Leather
Modular ‘Player’ Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in the 1970s, the ‘Player’ sofa is an early example of modular seating that emphasized comfort, flexibility, and informality. This eight-piec...
Upholstery, Velvet, Suede
Mah Jong Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2020
By Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare composition Natsu sectional Mah Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois featuring nine labeled hand-crafted cushion elements designed by Kenzo Takada (Japanese 1939-2...
Fabric, Beech
Mah Jong Eight Piece Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic mid-century modular French sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. The sofa features 8 hand-made elements with Kenzo Takada (Japanese 1939-2020) and Missoni f...
Fabric
Sold
H 29.53 in W 114.57 in D 76.38 in
Original Roche Bobois Mah Jong Ecksofa Hans Hopfer Missoni Modul
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 18-teiliges Mah Jong Ecksofa von Missoni für Roche Bobois zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besteht aus 4 Podesten, 8 Sitzkissen, 4 Rüc...
Fabric