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.
Hand Repoussé Antiqued Copper Rabbit Garden Seat by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Garden Seat Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Garden Sculpture/Furniture Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
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
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
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
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
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
Shallow Lotus Bowl, Small, Black Crystal by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow lotus bowl Black crystal Hand carved Limited Edition Crystal shapes and inclusions vary.
Crystal
Contemporary Black Lacquer Faceted Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted drumstool Black lacquer Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, cir...
Lacquer
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 Lotus Pod Torchiere in Repoussé Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus Pod Torchiere Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative...
Brass
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 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 Antiqued Copper Sitting Rabbit Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Sculpture (Sitting) Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
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
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
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 Hand Carved Smoke Crystal Shallow Lotus Bowl by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow Lotus Bowl Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Each individual crystal vary in shapes and color please inquire for more information.
Crystal
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Hexagonal Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Wood Base Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Lacquer
Antique Copper Toad Skin Design Mirror by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Toad skin design mirror Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet met...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Large Tree Trunk Pot in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large tree trunk design pot Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the t...
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
Contemporary Fish Scale Design Low Drumstool in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish scale design low drumstool Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The tech...
Brass
Bell Pepper, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bell pepper Red lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B....
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Red Lacquer San Hu Mirror by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
San Hu Mirror Red Lacquer Copper 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 w...
Metal
Hand Repoussé Antique Copper Feather Design Round Mirror by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feather Design Round Mirror Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Bronze
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
Da Hu Copper Jar, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Da Hu copper jar Antique copper Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Copper
Contemporary Sitting Rabbit Sculpture in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit (Sitting) tabletop sculpture Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. R...
Copper
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
Robert Kuo Rock Crystal Table Lamp
By Robert Kuo
Located in Houston, TX
Signed Robert Kuo carved rock crystal table lamp with a gold-plated bronze base and ivory shade.
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Corner Nesting Side Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting tables - Set of 2 Cream Lacquer Wood base Hand made Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyn...
Wood, 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
Diagonal Cascade Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diagonal Cascade design side table Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Feather Table Lamp by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feather Table Lamp Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Lacquer over metal Silk Shade Shade Size: 12/12 x 13/13 x 12 Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty...
Silk, 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
Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stone Elevated Tray Han Bai Yu stone (White Marble) Hand carved Limited edition **Please note this marble piece has natural inclusions and imperfecti...
Stone
Contemporary Black Lacquer "Bo" Pot with Copper Rim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bo pot Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ...
Copper
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
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
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
Baluster Jar & Lid, Fish Scale Design by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Cloisonné
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Jar & Lid Fish Scale Design Cloisonne Amber, Brown, and Black Hand Made Limited Edition
Enamel
Pillow Floor Lamp, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pillow floor lamp Black lacquer Hand repousse Silk shade (26" diameter) Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Lacquer
Contemporary Antiqued Copper Dong Shan Table Lamp by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shade Size: 18 1/4"Dia x 12 1/8"H Dong Shan Table Lamp Antiqued Copper Copper Metal Hand Repoussé Tan Linen Shade Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. ...
Copper
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 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
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Antique Copper Puso Mirror by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Puso Mirror Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorati...
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 Black Lacquer Baluster Vase with White Bronze Stripes by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Vase w/ White Bronze Stripes Black Lacquer White Bronze Stripes Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a ...
Bronze
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 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
Persimmon Box in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Persimmon Box Black Lacquer Hand Repousse Copper Base Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to b...
Copper
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
Stone Raised Corner Lamp with Shade in Han Bai Yu by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stone raised corner lamp with shade Han Bai Yu Hand carved Copper base Hand repousse Limited edition.
Stone
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Woodgrain Design Console by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain Design Console Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The...
Copper
Contemporary Tear Drop Cloisonné Vase in Verde Grass Design by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase (Short) Verde Color Grass Design Cloisonné Glass Enamel Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal t...
Copper, Enamel
Coronet Lamp, Tang Grass Design, Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coronet lamp Tang grass design Cloisonné Glass enamel Handmade Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enamelling on metal technique that d...
Enamel
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