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 Rabbit Sculpture in Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative rel...
Brass
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bamboo Design Low Cachepot, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bamboo design low cachepot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique ori...
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 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 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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Nuage Side Table in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nuage side table Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Brass
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
High Tang Vase, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High tang design vase with white bronze rim Black lacquer Hand repousse Bronze base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dat...
Bronze
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
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 Bark Design Vanity Chair with Wood Seat in Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bark Design Vanity Chair w/ Wood Seat Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ont...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Three Panel Low Cabinet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three Panel Low Cabinet w/ White Bronze Trim Cream Lacquer Hand Made White Bronze Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique ...
Bronze
Baluster Jar and Lid in Azure Colors by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster jar and lid Cloisonne Azure enamel Hand repousse Copper base The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates bac...
Enamel
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 Each individual stone vary in inclusions and color. Each piece is ind...
Stone
Cascade Design Grey Peking Glass Disc on Stand by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Cascade design disc on stand. Grey Peking glass hand carved brass base hand made Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. 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...
Brass
Contemporary Black Lacquer Drumstool w/ Waist by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drumstool w/ waist 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, c...
Lacquer
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
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
Corner Nesting Table, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Set of 2, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting table Red lacquer Wood base Limited edition Inner table: 25 1/2" W x 16" D x 20" D x 21" H Inner table: 34" W x 22" D x 26" D x 24...
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
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
Contemporary Black Copper Lantern Lamp with Linen Panel by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lantern Lamp Black Copper Hand Repoussé Linen Panel Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer 5 Legged Entry Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Legged Entry Table Cream Lacquer Hand Made Hand Repoussé Metal Base Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. ...
Lacquer
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
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
Cintura Nesting Tables (Set of 2) in Brass and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cintura Nesting Tables with Copper (Set of 2) Brass Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass, Copper
Tall Cocoon Table Lamp, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall cocoon table lamp Red lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Silk shade Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to t...
Copper
Ola Design Planter with Liner, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola design planter with removable liner Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The t...
Copper
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 Cream Lacquer Oblong Cocktail Table with Brass Trim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oblong cocktail table with brass side trim Cream lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Lacquer wood bases Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, cir...
Brass
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
Contemporary Han Bai Yu White Marble "O" Side Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Side Table Han Bai Yu (Chinese White Marble) Hand Carved Limited Edition Contemporary Warm white marble side table with natural brown and gray streak inclusions. This side table...
Marble
Contemporary Ripple Bowl in Red and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ripple bowl Red Lacquer Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet ...
Copper
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
$1,770Sale Price|40% 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 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
Contemporary Cloisonné Baluster Lamp in Moss by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Lamp Cloisonne Moss Glass Enamel Cloisonné Metal Contemporary The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates b...
Gold Plate, Copper, Enamel
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
Contemporary Black Lacquer Torchiere by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Torchiere Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Lacquered Metal Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at...
Metal
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 Repousse Fan Design Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fan Design vase Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
Contemporary Ice Rectangular Table Lamp in Smoke Crystal w/ Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ice Rectangular Table Lamp w/ Copper Base Smoked Crystal Hand Carved Repoussé Copper Antiqued Copper Silk Shade Shade Dimensions: Top 8"D/15"L Bottom 9"D/16"L 9"H Limited Edition
Crystal, Copper
Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arm Rest Chair Grey Lacquer Hand Repousse Hand Made Metal Base 37"W x 26"D x 24 3/4"H Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Lacquer
Contemporary Double Ring Link Sculpture in Smoke Crystal by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Ring Link Sculpture Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Crystal Inclusions vary Carved using jade carving techniques. Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Cream lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it...
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
Low Cabinet with Amber Shargreen Cloisonné Panel by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low cabinet with Amber Shargreen panels Amber cloisonné Elmwood Brass panel lining handmade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an en...
Enamel
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
Pebble Lamp, Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pebble lamp Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Silk shade Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The techniqu...
Copper