The 1970s was my favorite decade for interior design, because designers really pushed the limits. One undeniable success: The Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, a modular sofa design created by Hans Hopfer and launched in 1971. The Mah Jong sofa was originally designed with more subdued upholstery, but Roche Bobois has kept this sculptural design alive and relevant all these years by partnering with haute couture fashion designers to create instantly recognizable, pattern-rich compositions. Above: The Mah Jong Hiro composition with upholstery designed by Kenzo Takada.
Roche Bobois products are not inexpensive.
But, a girl can dream, right? The sofas are entirely hand made in Italy.
Hans Hopfer and the design of the Mah Jong
The responsive PR team for Roche Bobois sent me all these photos stat, along with a brochure with lots of info about the Mah Jong. Looking quickly through all the yummy photographs, I jotted down all these adjectives: Avante garde, bohemian, sexy, counter culture, high fashion. Yes: The 1970s were known for their… love pits.
But digging into the history, it seems that in the early 1970s, Hans Hopfer’s design perspective was very much influenced by the birth of his daughter. As a result, he designed the Mah Jong with family living in mind. Relatedly, look at the Roche Bobois materials online (links below), and circa 1971 you will see — beige upholstery — sueded leather, I’m guessing. The haute couture interpretations worthy today of the Olsen Twins came later.
Here’s what Roche Bobois says about the design’s birth on their page about the Mah Jong:
Painter, sculptor, designer… Hans Hopfer designed sofas that are, for many, the indisputable “signature” of Roche Bobois’ collections.
In the 1970s, Hopfer’s innovative and informal approach to comfort had a profound influence on the way people furnished and arranged their living space.
In 1971, he created the Mah Jong, a sofa based on the total freedom of function and form. Starting with three basic elements that can be combined or stacked, the Mah Jong allows limitless options of composition….
Roche Bobois launched as company in 1950. And even though the Mah Jong is instantly recognized as the company’s signature piece, it has many other products:
- Read about Roche Bobois’ interesting history — along with great photos.
- And walk through its fascinating virtual museum.
Roche Bobois Mah Jong compositions by Kenzo Takada:
Roche Bobois today features Mah Jong sofa collections with upholstery created by Kenzo Takada, Missoni Home, and Jean Paul Gaultier. There are also beds. And, put a sheet of glass on a cushion and you have a coffee table!
Mah Jong compositions by Missoni Home:
Mah Jong compositions by Jean Paul Gaultier:
Manufacturing the Mah Jong sofa:
I think I’d go for the Kenzo Takada Hiro composition (above). Give me those 1970s technicolor pinks and oranges! How about you?
Thanks to Roche Bobois for all the wonderful images!
Repeating some of the key link love:
Christa says
These are soooo beautiful but they require a palatial room, young healthy backs and knees, and a housekeeper to sweep and vacuum daily.
JaneH says
Gah, I love them all, though in the real world I’d have to put them on platforms. Because knees.
Wendellyn Plummer says
Oh my gosh! With my bad knees and age, I would never be able to get up! LOL But, they are beautiful works of art in furniture!
Beth Laughlin says
That was my thought!! Could I get up, somewhat gracefully? 😀
Marie Gamalski says
I’ve been decorating several “fantasy” houses in my head for years…this couch will now have a prominent place in the fantasy Palm Springs abode….atop a shag rug on the original terrazzo floors…
Pam Kueber says
Indeed!
Jay says
Yoru with its blues and greens. I remember back in the day when NYT used to have Home & Living sections that included large ads from RB, I figured it top drawer quality items.
lynda says
I would not want one of these sofas, but they are so pretty and fun to look at. We had a Roche Bobois’ store in the local mall and it was always a treat to go into the store. Beautifully designed and the colors and fabrics are just perfect.
Karin says
I’ve sighed over these couches in the brochures for years. The brilliant colours and patterns are indeed iconic. They’re perfect for lounging on while wearing your Moroccan caftan!
Tarquin says
Last year on Retro Renovation, I learned about the Biba era. These couches are just what you need for that look. I LOVE them to the MAX. My favorite is blue & avocado. I love that combo, because I’m never quite sure if it clashes or matches.
Ms. Vel-Vida says
These are so beautiful and innovative. It’s so hard to decide which is my favorite. If I had to pick one, just one, it would probably be the Kenzo Takada Yoru composition, I really dig the cool tones. Also, am I the only one going gaga over the black lacquered floor in the Jean Paul Gaultier Composition Couture picture? The photographer has a great eye for contrast, the sofa and hanging light in the Paris apartment picture are an irreverent slap of delicious style to their old regime surroundings, love it!
Christine W says
Wow – I love these cheerful sofa combos. It might be pretty hard getting out of them after a few drinks though – but I guess you could just roll off into the floor.