Pair of Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
View Similar Items
Pair of Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Cassina (Workshop/Studio),Vico Magistretti (Artist)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80 cm)Depth: 64.97 in (165 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Roma, IT
- Reference Number:Seller: T-1354981stDibs: LU2698331458592
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.
- Chimera Lamp by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1970sBy Vico MagistrettiLocated in Roma, ITChimera lamp is an original lamp realized in the 1970s by Vico Magistretti (1920 - 2006). Steel and art glass. Mint conditions. Floor Lamp. T...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Floor Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage Dresser Model CS49 by Vico Magistretti for Poggi Productions Italy 1970sBy Vico Magistretti, PoggiLocated in Roma, ITVintage dresser model CS49 by Vico Magistretti for Poggi Productions, Italy 1970s dresser model CS49 is an original design dresser created by Vico Magistretti (Milan, 1920-Milan, 200...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Serving Tables
MaterialsWood
- Soriana Three Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1970sBy Afra & Tobia Scarpa, CassinaLocated in Roma, ITSoriana Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, Italy 1970s. Black Leather, original Cassina Label. Outstanding piece in near perfect condition, with origin...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Soriana Three Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1970sBy Afra & Tobia Scarpa, CassinaLocated in Roma, ITSoriana Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, Italy 1970s. Black Leather, original Cassina Label. Outstanding piece in near perfect condition, with origin...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Slalom Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, 1981By Vico Magistretti, OluceLocated in Roma, ITSlalom table light is a work realized by Vico Magistretti in 1981. H. 45 x 24 x 25 cm. Made by Oluce, Milan. Tubular metal, painted black and yellow, plastic, black. Ref. Gramig...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Bamboo and Fabric Sofa with Pair of Armchairs Attr. to Bonacina, Italy 1970sBy BonacinaLocated in Roma, ITBamboo and Fabric Sofa with Pair of Armchairs Attr. to Bonacina, Italy 1970s. Armchairs: 85 x 80 x 71 cm . Sofa Cm 203,00 x 78,00 x 84,00. Bamboo, Wicker and fabric. Good conditi...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Bamboo, Wicker
- 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
- Pair of Maralunga sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in HEVERLEE, BEVintage maralunga sofa, set of 2, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in its original beige upholstery. Labelled The backrests ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- 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
- Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Almelo, NLMaralunga sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s An exemplary version of the iconic Maralunga sofas in original vintage fabric. The ov...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Maralunga armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina ItalyBy Vico MagistrettiLocated in Toronto, ONIn 1973, Vico Magistretti designed the Maralunga armchair for the Italian company Cassina. Magistretti was known for his designs that featured simple, essential shapes and the use of...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Armchairs
MaterialsFabric
- Vico Magistretti, Maralunga Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, Italian Modern, 1970sBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in Odense, DKA fine version of the iconic Maralunga sofa in original vintage fabric. The overall impression of this three seater couch is really good. It will complementary any modern home inter...Category
Mid-20th Century 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.
5 Reasons to Collect Art
From discovering new mediums to supporting rising talents, there are many good motives for building a collection of meaningful works. Learn the hows and whys of art collecting with our guide.