Chrysanthemum Kuo
2010s Vases
Copper
People Also Browsed
Antique 1830s Chinese Qing Apothecary Cabinets
Elm
2010s Table Lamps
Copper
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Console Tables
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Serving Pieces
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 1890s Chinese Qing Shelves
Bamboo, Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Bone
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Copper, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Cabinets
Brass
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Lacquer, Cypress
Antique 19th Century Chinese More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer, Willow
20th Century Chinese Side Tables
Wood
20th Century English Regency Pedestals
Gold Leaf
Antique Mid-19th Century German Chinoiserie Vases
Ceramic
Recent Sales
2010s Stools
Copper
2010s Demi-lune Tables
Metal
Robert Kuo for sale on 1stDibs
Chinese artist and designer Robert Kuo is known worldwide for his modern furniture and objets d’art that merge ancient tradition and popular decorative styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Born in Beijing, Kuo moved with his family to Taiwan in 1947. While he never received a formal art education, Kuo gained technical expertise working as an apprentice at his father’s cloisonné workshop from the age of 15.
In 1973, Kuo emigrated to the U.S. and opened his own cloisonné studio in Beverly Hills, California. There, he utilized the time-honored skills he learned with his father for a wide range of uniquely striking vases, sculptures and bowls. His Goldfish bowl — a technical masterpiece of vibrant colors and cloisonné designs that appear to float against a black enamel background — was acquired by the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery for its permanent collection.
In 1984, Kuo opened a showroom in West Hollywood, where it became a favorite among interior designers for the sculptural and often whimsical coffee tables, stools and table lamps on offer. A year later, Kuo shifted his attention toward repoussé — a technique that sees decorative reliefs hammered onto the surface of metals. Examples of Kuo’s repoussé pieces include his black lacquer Cloud chair and Oval coffee table in antique copper.
In 2014, a retrospective exhibition celebrating Kuo’s 30th anniversary as a designer was held at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles and his New York studio. In 2016, he also hosted an exhibition in his New York studio titled “Robert Kuo Selects: Los Angeles Studio Made, Found and Represented Artists,” showcasing his works as well as pieces by prominent L.A. designers Blackman Cruz, Dana John and JF Chen. In 2019, Italian artist Mattia Biagi’s L.A. exhibition “Metropolitan Sets” included Kuo’s Back Rest chair and brass Facet Seat.
Today, Kuo’s works can be seen at the National History Museum in Taipei, Singapore Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco’s Hotel Palomar, the Las Vegas MGM Grand and the Four Seasons in New York.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Robert Kuo decorative objects, seating, lighting and more.