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.
Vertical Stone Lamp with Shade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vertical stone lamp with shade Han Bai Yu stone Wood base Hand carved Limited Edition.
Stone
Charger - Black Woodgrain Design Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charger Woodgrain design Black Cloisonné Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the B...
Copper, Enamel
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
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 Bean-Shape Bench in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bean Shape Bench Dark Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ha...
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 Six Petal Tray in Cream Lacquer and Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six Petal Tray Antiqued Copper Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
Contemporary Cloud Design Brushpot in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud design brushpot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet meta...
Copper
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
Contemporary Pleats Design Floor Lamp in Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats Design Floor Lamp Silk Pongee Shade (Size: 21" x 22" x 13") Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Black Lacquer Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decor...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Repoussé Coronet Bowl by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coronet Bowl Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at l...
Metal
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
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 Mila Lacquer Du Lamp by Rober Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Du Lamp Mila Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Silk Shade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 ...
Metal
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Torchiere by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Torchiere Cream 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 Niu Drumstool in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Niu drumstool Mila lacquer Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ribbed Jar in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ribbed Jar Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Tree Trunk Half Round Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree trunk half round table Brass Hand repousse Limited edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Brass
Contemporary Copper Fei Tian Wen Design Double Sided 3 Door Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Design Double Sided 3 Door Buffet *6 DOORS IN TOTAL Antique Copper Doors Hand Repoussé Elmwood Lacquered Contemporary Limited Edition...
Copper
Contemporary Penguin Sculpture in Copper and White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Penguin sculpture Black copper White bronze Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique i...
Copper
Set of Waterfall Red Lacquer Nesting Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of waterfall red lacquer nesting tables red lacquer over wood base. A technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Wood, Lacquer
Contemporary Frog Seat in White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Furniture Piece Frog Seat White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of h...
Bronze
Contemporary Weave Design Vase in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Weave design vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Use liner for floral arrangement Repoussé is the traditional a...
Copper
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
Contemporary Black Lacquer Tang Design Set of Trays w/ Copper Rims by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tang Design Trays with Copper Rims (Set of 2) Black Lacquer Antiqued Copper Lacquered Copper Metal Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Large: 15 1/4"L X 8 3/4"W X 1 1/2"H Small: 10 1/4"L ...
Copper
Contemporary Cherries Sculpture in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Sculpture Dark Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional...
Copper
Contemporary "Yi" Bench in Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yi Bench Red Bean Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces...
Metal
Low Round Table, Woodgrain Design, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low round table - woodgrain design Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hamme...
Copper
Contemporary Crystal Falaise Light with Copper Base by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Falaise Light with Repoussé Base Crystal Hand Carved Antiqued Copper Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ...
Crystal, Copper
Low Square Table in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low square table Grey lacquer 80 coats of lacquer Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with a...
Lacquer
Pleats Armoire by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats design armoire. Hand repoussé copper Antique copper finish Wood interior Limited Edition Customizable Repoussé is the traditional art of...
Copper
Indented Seat, Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indented seat Cream lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique involve...
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 Tear Drop Verde Grass Design Cloisonné Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase Verde Grass Design Glass Enamel Cloisonné Limited Edition Contemporary The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the Byzantine Emp...
Copper, Enamel
Robert Kuo , contemporary Turquoise color , Peking glass vase/ vessel , signed
By Robert Kuo, John McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful turquoise color Peking glass vase designed by Robert Kuo. signed R Kuo in bottom.
Glass
Half Round Table, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Half round table Red lacquer Handmade Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that ...
Elm
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
Ji Guan Sconce, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Sconce Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The te...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Kuai Block Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kuai design block vase Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Contemporary This vase requires a liner Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
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 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 Cylindrical Alabaster Lamp W/ Copper Kuai Base by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical Alabaster copper trim lamp w/ Kuai base Alabaster Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique Repoussé is the traditiona...
Alabaster, Copper
Ice Crackle Antique Copper 3 Door Cabinet on Stand by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ice Crackle 3 Doors Cabinet on Stand Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Elmwood Hand Made Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé...
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
Hand Carved Crystal Bamboo Shaven Design Bowl by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bamboo Shaven Bowl Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Crystal forms and inclusions can vary.
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Contemporary Hand Carved Jade Lima Bean Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lima bean sculpture Nephrite Jade Hand carved Limited edition Known as the “Stone of Heaven,” Nephrite Jade is prized for both its aesthetic beaut...
Jade
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
Contemporary Long Han Gourd Sculpture in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long Han Gourd Sculpture Cream Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-...
Copper
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
Cherries, White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries White bronze Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Bronze
Contemporary Repoussé Hexagonal Short Jar in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal Short Jar Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
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
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Black lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to be boil...
Copper
E Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
E side table Antique copper Hand repousse Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
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
Contemporary Lying Down Cat Sculpture in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cat (Lying Down) Sculpture Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Eyes Copper Base Hand Repoussé Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
Le Verre Table with Black Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Verre table with black lacquer top Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is ...
Copper
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 Red Lacquer Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool Red Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back...
Lacquer
Rabbit, Crystal by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Crystal Hand carved Crystal inclusions vary Limited Edition.
Crystal