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.
Fluted Goblet Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fluted Goblet Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Besame Floor Lamp by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Besame Floor Lamp SHADE DIMENSIONS: 24"Top Dia x 26"Bottom Dia x 14 1/2"H Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Lacquered Metal Ivory Silk Shade Limited Edition Each piece is individually cra...
Metal
Contemporary Large Rabbit Sculpture in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Rabbit Sculpture Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Copper
Helix Floor Lamp, Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix floor lamp Black copper Hand repoussé Linen shade Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief on...
Copper
Contemporary Short Facet Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short Facet Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Contemporary Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Black Copper Bai He Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bai He tray Black copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Copper
Cloud Barrel Drumstool, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud barrel drumstool Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Tall Block Web Table Lamp in Fig Color by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Block Web Table Lamp with Shade Fig Color Cloisonne (Enamel) Hand Repousse Natural Silk Shade Limited Edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique...
Enamel
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Repoussé Chair Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé All Copper Chair with Patina Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional...
Copper
Contemporary Hoof Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hoof vase Raspberry peking glass finish Hand blown glass Hand carved Contemporary Limited Edition. Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus drumstool Dark antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditio...
Copper
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Female) in Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep (Female) Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper face and feet which can patina over time. R...
Copper
Scholar Rock Lamp, Smoke Crystal by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scholar rock lamp Smoke crystal Hand carved Silk shade Lamp shade dimensions: 14" L x 14" D x 11 1/2" H Each piece is individually crafted and...
Crystal
Contemporary Window Side Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Window Side Table Black Lacquer Hand Made Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Feather Design 4 Door Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feather Design 4 Door Buffet Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Elm Wood Lacquered 3 Drawers 2 Shelves (Removable) Touch Latch Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is un...
Copper
Contemporary Robert Kuo Repoussé Huang Chair in Antique Copper, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Huang Chair Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto s...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Gua Cachepot by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gua Cachepot Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Copper Finish Varies Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering dec...
Copper
Contemporary Stainless Steel Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Chair Stainless Steel Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Accent Chair Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Small Penguin in Black and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Penguin (Small) Black Lacquer Cream Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper beak and feet which can patina...
Copper
Contemporary Shallow Bowl in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow Bowl cream Exterior Copper exterior Cream Lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Copper
Contemporary Repousse Tomato Sculpture in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tomato sculpture Dark Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
2-Panel Black Lacquer Screen with Cream Pear by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2-panel screen Black lacquer Cream lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the...
Copper
Elephant, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elephant sculpture Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated a...
Copper
Round Leaf Design Box - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round leaf design box Cream lacquer Hand-carved Wood base Limited edition In stock Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are...
Lacquer
Half Round Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
34" half round table Black lacquer Elm wood handmade Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique th...
Elm, Lacquer
Zebra Box in Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zebra box (Large) Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto ...
Copper
Low Round Table - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Round Table Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 ...
Lacquer
Bian Hu Table Lamp, Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bian Hu table lamp Black lacquer Antique copper Hand respoussé Silk shade Handmade Respoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The techniq...
Copper
Contemporary Cloisonné Conical Table Lamp in Azure Design by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conical table lamp Azure design Turquoise and blue Cloisonné Hand made Silk shade Limited edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique...
Enamel
Contemporary Red Lacquer and Copper Cherries Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Red Lacquer Antique Copper Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Hand Made Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
Contemporary Green Lacquer Apple Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Green Lacquer Antiqued Copper Stem Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Copper
$2,800 / set
Pair of Robert Kuo Palais Cloisonne Table Lamps
By Robert Kuo
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Robert Kuo designed cloisonné table lamps with interlocking leaf design comprised of five spheres in graduated size from 2 1/2" to 4 1/2". With hardback shades in a Champagne Linen t...
Metal
Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye Black Lacquer Antique Copper Limited Edition Hand Repousse Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze Cloud Design Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Buffet White Bronze 4 Door Hand Repoussé Lacquered Wood Push Touch Latch 3 Drawers with Copper Handles 2 Tier Shelves Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the trad...
Bronze
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Cachepot by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cachepot Cream Lacquer Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Zong Drumstool in White Bronze and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Drumstool White Bronze Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition White Bronze Top and Bottom Brass Center Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sh...
Brass, Bronze
Rounded Square Stool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded square stool Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is handcrafted individually and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Lacquer, Abalone
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Box by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Carved Cloud Design Box Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Wood Base Limited Edition Inclusions Vary Unique and one of a kind Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynast...
Wood, Lacquer
Contemporary Ji Guan Side Table in Cream Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Side Table w/ Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet me...
Brass
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Helix Vase by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. This vase needs a liner Lacquer is a technique th...
Lacquer
Pleats Design Nesting Table (Set of 3) in Repoussé Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats Design Copper Nesting Tables (Set of 3) Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary NESTING TABLE MEASUREMENTS: Large: 30.5"L x 16"D x 24"H Medium: 26. 5"L x 16...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Brass Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass
Hand Repoussé Swirl Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Contemporary
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swirl Vase Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Isola Design Armoire, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Isola Design Armoire Antique copper Hand repoussé Elmwood Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique ...
Copper
Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chair Black lacquer Hand Repousse Metal base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hua Design Low Cloisonné Drumstool in Moss by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Cloisonné Drumstool Moss Hua Design Cloisonné Enamel Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that d...
Copper, Enamel
Contemporary Ten Facet Peking Glass Vase in Red Bean by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ten Facet Vase Red Bean Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in B...
Glass, Blown Glass
Persimmon Box, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Persimmon box Red lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Copper
Contemporary Rocco Small Short Cabinet in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco Small Short Cabinet Cream Lacquer Elm wood Hand Carved Doors Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer need...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Contemporary Cloud Armoire in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Armoire Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Elm Wood Contemporary Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to be boile...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Contemporary "O" Table Lamp in 24K Gold Plate by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Table Lamp 24K Gold Plated Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Natural Silk Pongee Shade Wired with US plug Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Gold, Copper
Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...
Copper, Enamel
Rounded Zong Sculpture, Nephrite Jade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded zong sculpture Nephrite jade Hand carved Stainless steel Hand repousse Limited edition Each individual jade vary in shapes and color Known as the “Stone of Heaven,” ...
Jade
Contemporary Copper Apple Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Antique Copper Dark Antique Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
Copper
Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tessa bench Antiqued copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Brass Oval Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Dong Shan Table Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Brass Metal Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand...
Brass
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Carved Hua Design Lamp by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Hua Design Lamp Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Wood Base Limited Edition Silk Shade Contemporary Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the tr...
Silk, Wood, Lacquer
Water Lily Table in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Contemporary, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Water lily table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the...
Copper
Round Leaf Design Box, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round leaf design box Black lacquer Hand-carved Wood base Limited edition In stock. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ar...
Lacquer