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 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 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 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
Scholar Rock, Nephrite Jade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scholar rock Nephrite jade Hand carved Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Jade color, size, shape and inclusions all vary. Known as the “Stone o...
Jade
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
Ye Zhi Ping Vase, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ye Zhi Ping vase Antique copper Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorati...
Copper
Contemporary Dai Gu Coral Peking Glass Vase by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dai Gu Vase Coral Peking Glass Hand Carved Hand Blown Limited Edition Contemporary Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshop...
Glass, Blown Glass
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 Trumpet Alabaster Lamp w/ Fluted Base by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Trumpet Alabaster lamp w/ fluted base Alabaster Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Alabaster, Copper
Woodgrain Design Copper Console with Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain design console Black lacquer Antique copper Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back t...
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 needs a liner. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
Brass Root Design Cocktail Table Base with Cream Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass root cocktail table base set w/ cream lacquer top. Hand Repoussé Brass Cream lacquer Hand made Limited edition Contemporary Repoussé...
Brass
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
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 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 Black & Cream Lacquer Penguin w/ Head Down Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Penguin w/ head down Black lacquer Crean lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional ar...
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
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
Gerber Daisy Flower Sculpture, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerber daisy flower Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art...
Copper
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 Nephrite Jade Double Ring Link Sculpture III by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Ring Link Sculpture Nephrite Jade Hand Carved Limited Edition Contemporary JADE LINK LABELED: JL12 Please note: Each individual jade vary in shapes and color please ...
Jade
Contemporary Repoussé Tall Lantern Design Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Lantern Design Vase Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition This material will patina over time. Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repo...
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
Sectional Coffee Table, Black Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sectional coffee table (Set of three) Black lacquer Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Section 1: 28" x 20" x 18" H Section 2: 28" x 28" x 18" H - brass Section 3: 48" x 20" x 18" ...
Brass
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
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Za Xian Pot in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Za Xian Pot Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ont...
Copper
Hand Carved Crystal Ta Shape Ice Carved w/ Brass Center Lamp by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ta shape ice carved w/ brass center Crystal Hand carved Brass Hand repoussé White pongee silk shade (14" x 16" x 11 1/2"H) Each piece is individuall...
Crystal, Brass
Baluster Floor Lamp, Moss/Webb Design Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster floor lamp Moss/Webb design Cloisonné Handmade Silk shade Limited edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique ...
Enamel
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
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
Octagonal Side Table with Brass, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Octagonal side table with brass Antique copper Brass Hand repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The te...
Brass, Copper
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 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
Buddha Stone Lamp by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Buddha stone lamp by Robert Kuo, hand carved, limited edition Buddha stone lamp Han Bai Yu stone (white marble) Hand carved Silk shade Wood base Limi...
Marble
Copper Lotus Leaf Plate by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus leaf plate Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
Copper
Contemporary Lima Bean Sculpture in Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lima bean sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The ...
Brass
Kuai Design Low Cachepot, Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kuai design low cachepot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origin...
Copper
Carved Pleated Leaf Charger, Dong Shan Jade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved pleated leaf charger Dong Shan Jade Hand carved Limited edition. Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Jade color, size and inclusions all vary.
Jade
Lotus Leaf Plate, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus leaf plate Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated ar...
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
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
The Tree Trunk Pot Large, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree Trunk pot large Cream lacquer Hand repoussé Steel base Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-110...
Steel
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
Scroll Stand, Cream Lacquer, Hand-Carved, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scroll stand. Cream lacquer. Hand-carved. Wood-base. Limited edition decorative object. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
Lacquer, Wood
Za Xian Dining Table Base ‘Pair’, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Za Xian dining table base Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Lacquer top on image is not included. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
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
Contemporary Carved Hua Design Table Lamp in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Hua design table lamp Black lacquer Hand carved Metal base Hand repoussé Limited edition Natural linen shade Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Metal
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
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
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
Contemporary Rounded Square Drumstool in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded square drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Contemporary 21 1/4"SQ x 15 3/4"H Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These ...
Lacquer
Rhinoceros Sculpture, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, One of a Kind
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rhinoceros sculpture Antique copper Hand repousse One of a kind Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated ...
Copper
Robert Kuo , contemporary Turquoise color , Peking glass vase/ vessel , signed
By John McGuire, Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful turquoise color Peking glass vase designed by Robert Kuo. signed R Kuo in bottom.
Glass
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
Dong Shan Table - Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, In Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan Table Grey 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 c...
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 Glacier Side Table in Smoke Crystal and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Glacier Brass Side Table Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Brass Base Limited Edition Contemporary Top: 24"L x 20.75"D x 4 1/4"Thick Base: 21"L x 17"D x 20 1/4"H SMOKE CRYSTAL INCLUSIONS A...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
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
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