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 Repousse Fan Design Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fan Design vase Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
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
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 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
Smoke Crystal Ice Sculpture by Rober Kuo, Hand Carved, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Smoke crystal ice sculpture Smoke crystal Hand carved In stock.
Crystal
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
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 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
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
Contemporary Brancusi Table in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brancusi Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition 22"Dia x 24"H Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
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 Cloud Design Tray by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud design tray Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates ...
Metal
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
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
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 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
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 Repoussé Hexagonal Tall 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 Rocco Egg Box in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco design egg box Antique copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Copper
Contemporary Spool Side Table in Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spool Side Table Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Brass
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 Black Lacquer 4 Lobed Oblong Oval Tray by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 lobed oblong oval tray Black lacquer Hand made 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...
Lacquer
Contemporary Copper Square Fluted Table with Black Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square fluted table Antique copper Black lacquer top Hand Repoussé Lacquered Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
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
Antique Copper Barrel Vase by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 80...
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
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 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
Round Leaf Design Box, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round leaf design box Black 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 ar...
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
Tall Cocoon Table Lamp, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall cocoon table lamp Red lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Silk shade Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to t...
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
Pedestal Candleholder, Black Lacquer and Crystal by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pedestal candleholder Black lacquer Crystal Hand carved Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. The pieces are made w...
Crystal
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
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
Round Plates, Set of 3, Green Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round plates (set of 3) Green lacquer Handmade Limited edition Measures: Small 6" diameter x 1 1/2" height Medium: 8 1/2" diameter x 1 1/2" height Large: 10" diameter x 2" heig...
Lacquer
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
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 Carved Crystal Flower Plate by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Flower plate Crystal Hand carved Contemporary Limited Edition Each individual crystal vary in shapes and inclusions.
Crystal
Contemporary Grey Lacquer Short Pillow Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short pillow drumstool Grey Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty...
Lacquer
Copper Sphere Table with Square Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sphere table antique copper black lacquer hand repoussé limited edition side table. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ar...
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 Red Lacquer Saddle Seat Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saddle seat drumstool Red lacquer Hand repoussé Metal base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer color varies. Lacquer is a technique that...
Metal
Chrysanthemum Lobe Kung Pot, Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrysanthemum Lobe Kung pot Black copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origi...
Copper
Ola Vase, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola vase Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 800 ...
Copper
Bian Vase, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bian vase Red lacquer White bronze rim Hand repousse Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made wi...
Bronze
Drum Table with Toad Skin Design, Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum table with toad skin design Antique copper Black copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse...
Copper
Cylindrical Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical storage Drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. ...
Copper
Rock Bud Vase, Short, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rock bud vase (Short) Black lacquer Copper base handmade / Hand repousse Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynas...
Lacquer
Arm Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arm rest chair Black lacquer Handmade Metal base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. T...
Metal
Saddle Seat Drumstool, Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saddle seat drum stool Black Copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originate...
Copper
Rounded Square Stool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded square stool Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is handcrafted individually and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Lacquer, Abalone
Huang Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Huang chair Cream lacquer 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 least 60 coat...
Lacquer
High Meru Light, Smoke Crystal and Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High Meru light Smoke crystal Brass Hand-carved Hand repoussé Limited edition.
Crystal, Brass
Copper Wood Grain Top with Brass Base Side Table by Rober Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood grain design copper top. Brass base. Antique copper finish. Hand repoussé. Limited Edition. Customizable. Repoussé is the traditional art o...
Copper, Brass
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 Ji Guan Mirror in Hand Repoussé Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Mirror Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Copper
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Lounge Chair White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around ...
Bronze
Antique Copper Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Contemporary
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Copper
Contemporary Square Rocco Table in Antique Copper & Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square Rocco Table Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techniq...
Copper