Large-Scaled Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Modular 'Mah Jong' Sofa in Wool

Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 'Mah Jong' modular sofa, wool, France, designed in 1971

The Mah Jong sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971, is one of the most recognizable examples of 1970s modular furniture design. Rather than functioning as a conventional sofa with a fixed frame, Mah Jong was conceived as a flexible landscape of cushions that could be rearranged according to the space and the way people wanted to sit, lounge or lie down.

Its concept reflects the more informal lifestyle of the 1970s, when designers began moving away from rigid, upright seating. The individual elements can be combined into straight sofas, corner arrangements, chaise longues or large lounge areas. In this version, additional seat elements can be stored beneath the sofa or pulled forward and used as extended seating or ottomans, allowing the composition to change easily.

The shape is very low, wide and horizontal, giving the sofa a terraced, layered appearance. Thick, generously padded cushions form the base, seat and backrest, while deep buttoned tufting creates a soft, quilted surface. The backrests are broad and slightly curved, and the outer corner sections wrap gently around the sitter, making the arrangement feel relaxed and enveloping.