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 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
Rectangular Table Lamp and Shade Set in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular table lamp and shade set Cream Lacquer Metal Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates...
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
Contemporary Smoke Crystal 5 Facet Bowl by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Facet Bowl Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Crystal Limited Edition INCLUSIONS VARY
Crystal, Rock Crystal
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
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
Jie Light in Crystal and Copper by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie light in crystal and copper Hand repousse copper Copper base Hand carved crystal Limited Edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto ...
Crystal
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 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
Cuadra Light by Robert Kuo, Smoke Crystal and Brass, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cuadra light Smoke crystal Hand-carved Brass base Hand repoussé Limited edition Inclusions and shape slightly vary.
Crystal
Contemporary Shallow Bowl in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow Bowl cream Exterior Copper exterior Cream Lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Copper
Contemporary Block Vase w/ Pleats Design in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Block vase w/ pleats design Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. Th...
Copper
Coronet Lamp, Tang Grass Design, Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coronet lamp Tang grass design Cloisonné Glass enamel Handmade Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enamelling on metal technique that d...
Enamel
Contemporary Fang Drumstool in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fang drumstool 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, circa ...
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
Contemporary Lobed Planter w/ Waist in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Planter w/ Waist Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition This planter requires a liner Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Copper
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 Crystal Zong Candlestand by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Candlestand Crystal Hand Carved Inclusions Vary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal, Rock Crystal
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 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
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
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
Contemporary Serpentine Candlestand in Copper & White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpentine Candlestand Copper White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorati...
Bronze, 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 Antiqued Copper Zun Table Lamp by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zun Table Lamp Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Oyster Linen Shade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering ...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus drumstool Dark antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditio...
Copper
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
Nesting Tables w/ Pleats Design in Red Lacquer (Set of 2) by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nesting Tables with Pleats Design Red Lacquer Copper Base Hand Repoussé One of a Kind Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
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
Low Tree Trunk Cachepot, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low tree trunk cachepot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origin...
Copper
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 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 Tall Gourd Vase in Grey Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall gourd vase. Grey peking glass. Hand carved. Limited Edition Measures: 8"dia x 13"height 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...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Black Lacquer Sea Lion Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sea lion sculpture Black Lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet met...
Copper
Gold Tang Design Pot, 24-Karat Gold Plate by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold tang design pot 24-karat gold plate Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-...
Gold Plate, Copper
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
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
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 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
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
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
Contemporary Robert Kuo Repoussé Huang Chair in Antique Copper, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Huang Chair Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto s...
Copper
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
Contemporary Fish Scale Design Low Drumstool in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish scale design low drumstool Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The tech...
Brass
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
Oval Dong Shan Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table 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 d...
Lacquer
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 Urn Shape Vase in Bai Jade Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Urn Shape Vase Bai Jade Peking Glass Hand Blown Glass Hand Carved 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...
Glass, Blown Glass
Woodgrain Scroll Stand, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain scroll stand Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origin...
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 Black Lacquer and Copper Jar by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jar Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techni...
Copper
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Brass and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Lounge Chair w/ Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Brass
Bell Shape Lamp, Bai Jade Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bell shape lamp Bai Jade Peking glass Hand carved Stainless steel 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...
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Antique Copper Li Design Tripod Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Li Design Tripod drumstool Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The ...
Copper
Tall Cocoon Table Lamp, Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall cocoon table lamp Mila lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Measures: Natural silk pongee shade (19" diameter x 12" height) Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the...
Copper
Contemporary Jie Design Demi Lune Table in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie Design Demi Lune Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
Copper
Round Leaf Design Box - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round leaf design box Cream lacquer Hand-carved Wood base Limited edition In stock Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are...
Lacquer
Standing Gourd Sculpture, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Standing gourd Cream lacquer Copper Hand repousse Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at lea...
Copper
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
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