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 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 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
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
French colorful modular sofa Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 2000s
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
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
French decorated modular sofa Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 2000s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in MIlano, IT
French decorated modular sofa Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 2000s Modular sofa mod. Mah Jong composed of 12 square cushions, padded...
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
Stunning XXL Mah Jong 'Missoni Home' fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very nice XL Mah Jong modular sofa in the Missoni Home fabric with 4 corners! 30 pieces! Designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France. Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971, the Mah Jo...
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
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
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
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
H 27.56 in W 94.89 in D 40.56 in
Roche bobois Sofa, Black Leather
Located in Brussels, BE
Roche bobois Sofa, black leather
Leather
H 14 in W 37 in D 37 in
1980s French Modular Sleeper Sofa by Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Victoria, BC
A bold 1980s modular sleeper sofa by Roche Bobois that’s all about laid-back comfort and clever design. Made up of oversized, super-cushy modules, it easily shifts from everyday seat...
Wood
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
H 27 in W 121.5 in D 89 in
A French Roche Bobois leather sectional sofa.
By Roche Bobois
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Roche Bobois leather sectional sofa.
Leather, Wood
H 35.44 in W 106.3 in D 35.44 in
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in beige mohair velvet, Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in Mohair wool, Roche Bobois, 1970 Sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer and manufactured by Roche Bobois in France circa 1970. A very rare ...
Mohair, Velvet
H 36 in W 88 in D 41 in
Original Roche Bobois Leather Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in Miami, FL
Original Roche Bobois Sofa, most likely Buffalo Leather, black wood legs, down filled cushions, cushions attached with zippers. Great quality. Please see all pictures, no damages, no...
Leather
H 24 in W 145 in D 38 in
Italian Multi-Sectional Suede Couch by Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A bold and stylish Italian multisectional sofa upholstered in vibrant orange suede, manufactured by Roche Bobois. Featuring modular design for versatile seating configurations, clean...
Suede
H 31.5 in W 154.73 in D 53.15 in
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
H 14.18 in W 112.21 in D 74.81 in
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 11-element sofa by H. Hopfer fabrics Missoni
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Milano, MI
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
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 Missoni, Hans Hopfer, 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
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
H 21 in W 190 in D 115 in
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2015
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
H 28 in W 144 in D 73 in
Modular ‘Player’ Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
H 28 in W 98.5 in D 40.5 in
Mah Jong Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 2020
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
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
H 22 in W 128 in D 78 in
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
H 29.53 in W 114.57 in D 76.38 in
Original Roche Bobois Mah Jong Ecksofa Hans Hopfer Missoni Modul
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
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
H 35.83 in W 149.61 in D 112.21 in
Modular Sofa Mah Jong by Kenzo & Missoni for Roche Bobois, Set of 25 Pieces
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Indulge in the epitome of luxury with the original Mah Jong sofa, adorned with high-quality fabrics with different textures and patterns, designed by Kenzo Takada as well as Missoni,...
Textile, Velvet
H 28 in W 232 in D 118 in
Mah Jong 34 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental iconic 20th century Mah Jong sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. The colorful and festive mid-century modern sofa was designed and constructed in Fran...
Fabric
H 30 in W 192 in D 76 in
Mah Jong Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Kenzo Missoni 21 Piece Sofa
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental Iconic Mah Jong sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois featuring Kenzo Takada and Missoni fabric. The mid-century sofa was designed in France and consists...
Fabric
H 7 in W 38 in D 38 in
Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. Missoni & Kenzo Fabric
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Kansas City, MO
Eleven piece modular Mah Jong Sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France, 1970s. This example was manufactured in 2017. Fabrics are mostly Missoni with a few by Kenzo. ...
Upholstery
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
First Edition Mah Jong Sofa In Beige Velvet By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, 197
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Marvelous First edition Mah Jong sofa set designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971. This sofa offers complete freedom of form and function. This particular set is reupholster...
Velvet
H 26.38 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
"Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
(additional photos available upon request) Elevate a living space with this stunning designer “Mah Jong” modular sofa suite by Roche Bobois. The set consists of six seat cushions, a...
Fabric
H 28 in W 37.5 in D 37.5 in
Mah Jong 15-Piece Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France circa 2000
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Gardena, CA
Beautiful 15-piece Mah Jong sofa first designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971. Features a combination of Missoni and Roche Bobois fabrics. The Mah Jong sofa is an iconic m...
Fabric, Foam