Soriana, Mah Jong: the Italian modulars and their counterparts
The plush modular sofas (Cassina, Roche Bobois) that defined 70s comfort — and where to find the same ease, from the real thing to the dupe.
1 MIN · 2 OBJECTS IDENTIFIED“soriana cassina used”, “mah jong alternative”: the low, modular, plush sofas of the 1970s are back in force. A short guide to the originals and their counterparts.
The originals
The Soriana by Afra and Tobia Scarpa (Cassina, 1969): softness held in check by a chromed rod. The Mah Jong by Roche Bobois (Hans Hopfer, 1971): modules on the floor, covers by name designers (Kenzo, Missoni). Two visions of chic abandon.
Spotting the original
Soriana: the distinctive chromed bar, the Cassina label. Mah Jong: the quality of the covers, the density of the modules, the Roche Bobois stitching. Copies give themselves away with flabby padding and cheap finishes.
The counterparts
For modular ease without the price: Italian vintage tracked down secondhand, or accessible makers who borrow the “modules on the floor” logic. The spirit before the label.
Spotted a low sofa? Scan it on Beyit: original, vintage or copy.
One photo, every piece identified.
Your room, a shop window, an inspiration screenshot: send the photo, we find the pieces and their alternatives at every price.
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The pieces, at your budget.
Every piece mentioned, with its alternatives — from vintage to dupe.
Gallery
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