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.
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
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Floral Design Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Floral Design Buffet 4 Doors Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Lacquered Wood Push Touch Latch 4 drawers with Copper Handles 2 Tier Removable Shelves Limited Edition Contemporary Each piec...
Wood, Lacquer
Contemporary Black Lacquer Vanity Seat by Robert Kuo, Hand Made, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity Seat Black Lacquer Wood Vase Hand Made Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are...
Wood, Lacquer
Low Square Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low square table Black Lacquer (80 coats) Handmade Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Buffet 4 Doors Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Lacquered Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a laborious and time...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Facet Side Table in Brass with Octagon Smoke Crystal Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Side Table Brass Base Hand Repoussé Smoke Crystal Top Hand Carved Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and unique. Smoke crystal top inclusions will vary. Repo...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
Contemporary Drumstool w/ Brass Hua Design in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drumstool with Brass Hua Design Cream Lacquer Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand...
Brass
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 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 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 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 Repoussé Brass and White Bronze Fang Duo Side Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fang Duo Side Table White Bronze Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammerin...
Brass, Bronze
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze "H" Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
H Chair White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relie...
Bronze
Contemporary Camphorwood Trunk w/ Repoussé Antiqued Copper Woodgrain Design Lid
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain Design Camphorwood Trunk Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Camphor Wood Hand Made Contemporary Can be used as seating Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repo...
Copper
Contemporary Sphere Table w/ Square Top in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sphere table w/ Square Top Black Lacquer Hand repoussé Metal base Limited edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Lacquer
Contemporary Brass and Lacquer Root Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Design bench bases with lacquer top Brass Hand Repoussé Black or Cream Lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the t...
Brass
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Lacquer
Cream Lacquer Entry Table Top by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coats of organic lacquer. Each layer of lacquer is applied with a curing period of 24 hours in between so that it can dry. Table top only...
Wood, Lacquer
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
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 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 Repoussé Copper Cloud Design Box by Robert Kuo, Set of 2
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Box (Set of 2) Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition Large: 10"L x 8"W x 5 1/2"H Small: 8.5"L x 6"W x 4 1/2"H Each piece is individually crafted and...
Copper
$1,475Sale Price|50% Off
Ebonized Table with Cloisonné Top by Robert Kuo for McGuire
By Robert Kuo
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very handsome, well-made accent or side table by Robert Kuo for McGuire Furniture. Although quite simple, contouring adds character and interest to the otherwise simple Par...
Wood
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
Helix Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix side table Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional ar...
Copper
Contemporary 6 Lobed Petal Stand Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6 Lobed petal stand Cream Lacquer Hand Made Metal Base Repoussé Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynas...
Metal
Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door with 4 shelves Antique Copper Hand Repousse Elmwood Lacquered Limited Edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammerin...
Copper
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 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
Repoussé Brass Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto she...
Brass
Cream Lacquer Square Seat w/ Woodgrain Design by Robert Kuo, Set of 2
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square Seat w/ Woodgrain Design (Set of 2) Cream Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the...
Copper
Shang Scroll Table in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shang Scroll table Dark antique copper finish Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative rel...
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
Cascade Design Low Drum Stool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cascade Design low drum stool. Antique copper. Hand repoussé. Limited edition. Customizable. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Copper
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Male) in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep Sculpture (Male) Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....
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
Da Tree Trunk Cabinet - Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Da tree trunk cabinet Antique copper Hand repoussé Elmwood Limited edition Customizable Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering ...
Copper
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Chair Antique Copper Wood Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Contemporary White Bronze Oval Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Dong Shan Table White Bronze Hand Repoussé Bronze Metal Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of han...
Bronze
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
Deco Design Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Deco design console Brown lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coats ...
Brass
Contemporary Repoussé White Bronze Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture White bronze Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Bronze
Contemporary "O" Floor Lamp in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Floor Lamp Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Steel Base Limited Edition Contemporary Natural Silk Shade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that ...
Lacquer
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 Repoussé Copper Grape Sprig Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grape Sprig Sculpture Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Leaf Shape Table Base in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus Leaf Table Base **BASE ONLY** Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Brass Cream Lacquer or Black Lacquer Table Top available Each piece i...
Brass
Contemporary Repoussé Hexagonal Table in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze Lobed Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Drumstool w/ Black Lacquer White Bronze Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto she...
Bronze
T Console, Pleats Design in Copper By Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"T" console pleats design Light antique copper finish Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repo...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Chest on Chest by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Chest on Chest Set Cream Lacquer Elmwood Hand Carved Lacquered Wood Copper Contemporary Limited Edition Top Chest: 24"H Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Sh...
Copper
Toad Skin Block Drumstool, Black Lacquer and Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Toad skin block drumstool Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative reli...
Copper
Contemporary Leaf Design Cocktail Table in Cream Lacquer w/ Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leaf Design Cocktail Table w/ Brass Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Brass
Contemporary Hand Repousse Antique Copper Willow Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willow vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique inv...
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 Isola Design Copper Repousse Door Narrow Cabinet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Isola Design Narrow Cabinet Antique Copper Doors Hand Repoussé Elm Wood 4 Shelves Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique....
Copper
Drum Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum table Black lacquer handmade Hand repousse Metal base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are ...
Metal
Contemporary Shang Design Carved Frog Sculpture in Crystal by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shang Design Carved Frog Sculpture Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Crystal Inclusions Vary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal
Barrel Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel storage drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ ...
Copper
Contemporary Large Footed Bowl W/ Copper Rim in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large footed bowl w/ Copper Rim Mila Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique t...
Copper
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Female) in Cream lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep Sculpture (Female) Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper face and feet which can patina ove...
Copper