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 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
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
Robert Kuo Repousse Curve Desk Table in Antique Copper and Black Lacquer
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Repoussé Curve Desk Antique Copper Hand Repousse Black Lacquer Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique ...
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 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
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
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
$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 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
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 "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
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 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 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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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 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 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
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
Nesting Tables with Flange Corners, Set of Two, by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nesting table with flange corners Red lacquer Handmade Set of two Limited edition Measures: Large table: 23" W x 16 1/4" D x 23 3/4" H Small table: 17 1/4" W x 16 1/4" D x 20 1/2" H...
Lacquer
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
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
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
Dong Shan Table Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Red bean lacquer 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 made wit...
Lacquer
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
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 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
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 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 Repousse Trinity Mirror in Brass and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Trinity mirror. Brass. Antique copper. Hand repoussé. Limited edition. Customizable. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relie...
Copper, Brass
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 Hand Repoussé Ji Guan Hua Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Hua Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
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 Smoke Crystal Horizontal Facet Lamp by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Horizontal Facet Lamp Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Stainless Steel Base SHADE SIZE: 16"L x 9"D x 9"H Creme Pongee Silk Limited Edition
Crystal, Stainless Steel
Contemporary Parsons Console in Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Parsons Console Red Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1...
Lacquer
Contemporary Apple w/ Worm Sculpture in Antique Copper and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple with worm sculpture Antique copper Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Brass, Copper
Ji Guan Half Round Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan half round table Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-...
Brass
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
Contemporary 24K Gold Plated Oval Fei Tian Wen Lamp by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Fei Tian Wen lamp 24K gold plated Hand Repoussé Copper base Natural linen shade Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradi...
Gold Plate, Copper
Hexagonal Drumstool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool Black lacquer Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, ...
Lacquer
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 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
$12,300 / item
Temple Bell Pot with Copper Band and Black Lacquer
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique copper finish on copper band Hand repousse´ Black lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Chinese lacquer is a highly regarded art form an...
Copper
Lobed Le Verre Table - Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Le Verre table Cream lacquer top Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamme...
Copper
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
Diva Half Round Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diva half round table Cream lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Round Jarlet in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Jarlet Black Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decor...
Copper
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 "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
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 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 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