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 Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 20th century 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The sofa is finished in an incredible blend of Ke...
Fabric, Cotton, Foam
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
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 Modular 3-Piece Sofa Suite by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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" revolution of the Space Age era, discarding traditional constraints to offer complete freedom of form, comfort, and interactive layout. **Special edition Seat backs feature adjustable back rests that can adjust the position into 4 different adjusted levels. The Mah Jong sofa is manufactured in a dedicated, specialized workshop located in Italy. Each modular element is entirely hand-made and hand-stitched, functioning much like an haute couture fashion studio Design & Configuration The set is balanced across three primary, highly adaptable elements: • One Black Seat Element complete with an integrated, adjustable low-profile backrest. • One Red Seat Element featuring a matching structural backrest for supportive, laid-back comfort. • One Orange Ottoman...
Foam
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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 Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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 Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
21stC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa, Set of Eight
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
$4,000 / 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 Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971 for Roche Bobois, the Mah Jong sofa remains one of the most influential and recognizable seating systems of the 20th century. Conceived as a collectio...
Fabric
$10,925Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$26,478 / 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
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
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
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
$24,000 / item
H 24 in W 114 in D 114 in
Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois (1970s) ink blue velvet
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
$5,483 / 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
$4,707
H 27.96 in W 45.28 in D 41.34 in
Roche Bobois Hans Hopfer Vintage Informel Cognac Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
$22,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Le Mah Jong Modular Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois Missoni Silk Velvet, Corduroy
By Hans Hopfer, Missoni, Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a current customized mix of textiles from Sonia Rykiel and the house of Missoni. Features multiple cushions that can be arranged in endless number of ways Mix and match and stack (or don’t) at your leisure! This set includes four square cushions (paprika, orchid, crimson and stripes) as well as two adjustable height straight backs (purple corduroy and floral). Also included are a set of 5 Missoni cushions...
Silk, Velvet
Sold|$20,000 / set
H 26.5 in W 36 in D 36 in
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer in Yellow Velvet
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mah Jong sofa for Roche Bobois originally designed in the 1970s by Hans Hopfer is a design that has endured. This example made in Italy, has five complete seats, two of which are...
Velvet, Upholstery
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer in Yellow Velvet
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mah Jong sofa for Roche Bobois originally designed in the 1970s by Hans Hopfer is a design that has endured. This example made in Italy, has five complete seats, two of which are...
Velvet, Upholstery
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
'Informel' 3 seater Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
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 Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 21st C
By Hans Hopfer, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois
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 Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, 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 Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Missoni, Kenzo Takada
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 Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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