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 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
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Twisted Arch Table Lamp by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Twisted arch table lamp Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Natural silk pongee Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradit...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Pillow Drumstool in White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pillow Drumstool White Bronze Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique or...
Bronze
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
Woodgrain with Lacquer Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain with lacquer bench Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited Edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. 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
Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity seat. Grey lacquer. Handmade. Wood base. 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 org...
Lacquer
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
Catfish, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Catfish Black Lacquer Hand Repousse Copper 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...
Copper
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
Moon Jar w/ Chuan Design - Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moon Jar w/ Chuan Design Antique Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origi...
Copper
Contemporary Repousse Ju Wen Jarlet in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ju Wen Jarlet 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
Robert Kuo Copper Hammered Willow Vase Retailed by Steve Chase
By Robert Kuo
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Robert Kuo copper hammered willow vase, retailed by Steve Chase for $1580.00 in the 1990s. It bears the Steve Chase inventory label and the retail ...
Contemporary Black Lacquer "Bo" Pot with Copper Rim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bo pot Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ...
Copper
Contemporary Mila Lacquer Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong shan table Mila 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 ...
Metal
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 Red Lacquer 4 Petal Pot by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 petal pot Red lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper base Contemporary Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ...
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
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze Six Petal Mirror by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six Petal Mirror White Bronze Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Bronze
Robert Kuo Rock Crystal Table Lamp
By Robert Kuo
Located in Houston, TX
Signed Robert Kuo carved rock crystal table lamp with a gold-plated bronze base and ivory shade.
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze Mushroom Sculptures by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom sculpture (Set of 2) White bronze Hand repoussé Measures: S: 29 1/2" W x 30 1/2" D x 28" H L: 38" W x 37" D x 32 1/2" H Limited edition Contemporary Each piece is ind...
Bronze
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 Faceted Tri Color Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted Tri Color Drumstool Brass, White Bronze and Copper Metal with Antiqued Finish Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering de...
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Apple Sculpture, White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple 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 she...
Bronze
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 Cream Lacquer Square Mirror by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square Mirror Cream Lacquer Metal Base Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are ...
Metal
Contemporary Arch Console w/ Brass Trim in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arch Console with Brass Trim Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet me...
Brass
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 Mila Lacquer 8 Petal Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8 Petal Drumstool Mila 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
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
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
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
Dong Shan Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Brass Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Brass
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
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
Pleats Design Nesting Table (Set of 3) in Repoussé Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats Design Copper Nesting Tables (Set of 3) Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary NESTING TABLE MEASUREMENTS: Large: 30.5"L x 16"D x 24"H Medium: 26. 5"L x 16...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Feather Design 4 Door Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feather Design 4 Door Buffet Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Elm Wood Lacquered 3 Drawers 2 Shelves (Removable) Touch Latch Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is un...
Copper
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 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
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 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
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 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 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
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
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
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