Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968

An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This highly sought-after early production example is distinguished by its dramatic high-sided silhouette, flowing sculptural contours, and original metal roller castors—features exclusive to the earliest and most desirable versions of the model. Created during the height of the Space Age era, the ABCD sofa is among Pierre Paulin’s most daring and visionary designs. Rejecting traditional furniture typologies, Paulin conceived a continuous organic form that functions equally as seating and sculpture. The enveloping curves and undulating lines create a striking visual presence from every angle, making the sofa one of the defining statements of late-1960s European design. Unlike later examples, this rare first-generation version retains the original high side sections, emphasizing the architectural and landscape-like quality of Paulin’s initial concept. Together with the original roller base, these details place the sofa among the earliest productions of this iconic model. The sofa is upholstered in a deep ultramarine violet wool fabric, a rich and vibrant color that beautifully accentuates the sculptural form. The high-quality wool upholstery remains in good vintage condition, with only minor signs of age and use consistent with careful ownership. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of condition. Pierre Paulin is widely recognized as one of the most influential furniture designers of the twentieth century. His work is represented in the permanent collections of major international institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, the Centre Pompidou, Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, and the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna. The ABCD series is considered one of the most important achievements of his celebrated collaboration with Artifort.