Mid-century "Maralunga" Two Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
View Similar Items
Mid-century "Maralunga" Two Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Vico Magistretti (Designer),Cassina (Maker)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 66.93 in (170 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brussels , BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6055234928252
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.
- Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, for Cassina, Italy, 1960'sBy Gianfranco Frattini, CassinaLocated in Brussels , BESesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, for Cassina, Italy, 1960's Leather and chrome tubular metalCategory
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, for Cassina, Italy, 1960'sBy Gianfranco Frattini, CassinaLocated in Brussels , BESesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, for Cassina, Italy, 1960's leather and chrome tubular metalCategory
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century two seater sofa model 164, by Arne Vodder for France&sonBy Arne VodderLocated in Brussels , BEMid-Century two seater sofa in the model 164 designed in Denmark in the 1960's by Arne Vodder for the editor France&son. Simple and timeless.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Mid Century Two-Seater Sofa Model 164 by Arne Vodder, France&SonLocated in Brussels , BETwo seater sofa model 164 designed by iconic danish designer Arne Vodder. Arne Vodder worked essentially with wood and with this model, he succeeded in shapi...Category
Vintage 1960s Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Bonanza 2 seat sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, for C&B, Italy, 1970'sBy Afra & Tobia Scarpa, C&B ItaliaLocated in Brussels , BEVery comfortable! We also have the one and three seaters available.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Mid Century Danish 2 Seater Sofa, Original Wool FabricBy Børge MogensenLocated in Brussels , BEMid century Danish 2 seater sofa - original wool fabric.Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- 1970s 2-Seater Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for CassinaBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated 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
- Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated 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 Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated 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
- 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 2-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1990sBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in RADOMSKO, PLDiscover the international bestseller – Maralunga Sofa. With its inviting shapes and unique characteristic feature, the Maralunga series is a testament to innovation and comfort. Eng...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Maralunga 3-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1990sBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in RADOMSKO, PLDiscover the international bestseller – Maralunga Sofa. With its inviting shapes and unique characteristic feature, the Maralunga series is a testament to innovation and comfort. Eng...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsTextile
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.
Billy Cotton Layers His Interiors with Lived-In Comfort
The Brooklyn-based designer is adept at styles ranging from austere to over-the-top, espousing an architectural, detail-oriented approach also evident in his line of furniture and lighting.