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 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
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
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 Round Jarlet in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Jarlet Black Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decor...
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chair Cream 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 dynasty, circ...
Lacquer
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Tang Candlestand in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tang candlestand Black copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
Copper
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
Diva Half Round Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diva half round table Cream lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
Lacquer
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 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
Repoussé Black Lacquer Sheep Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep sculpture (Male) Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techniqu...
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
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
Qi Seat, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Qi seat Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-...
Lacquer
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
Square Seat with Woodgrain Design, Black Lacquer, Copper, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square seat with woodgrain design Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional ar...
Copper
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
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
Pong Leg Seat, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, In Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pong leg Seat Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited Edition In stock. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origi...
Copper
Pleats Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats storage drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of han...
Copper
Jie Jarlet Lamp, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie Jarlet lamp Cream 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 the Sh...
Copper
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
Low "T" Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low "T" Table Cream 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 co...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ji Guan Hua Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Hua Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Carved Crystal Bi Sculpture w/ Steel Stand by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bi Sculpture on steel stand (medium) Crystal Hand carved Steel Contemporary sculpture Limited edition Crystal shapes and inclusions vary.
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
Contemporary Red Bean Lacquer Low Empire Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Empire drumstool Red Bean Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Lacquer
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
Drumstool with Waist, Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum stool with waist Mila 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...
Lacquer
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
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
Barrel Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel storage drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ ...
Copper
Zong Bi Sculpture in Han Bai Yu Stone on Steel Stand by Robert Kuo, Limited Ed
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Bi sculpture on steel stand Han Bai Yu stone Hand carved Limited edition.
Stone
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
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
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
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
Tree Trunk Lamp in Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree trunk design table lamp Red lacquer Copper base Hand repoussé Silk shade Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Copper
Four Petal Cream Lacquer Pot by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four petal design Cream lacquer Copper base Hand repoussé Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made wi...
Copper
Full Length Vanity Mirror with Copper Trim by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full length vanity mirror with copper trim. Grey lacquer. Antique copper. Hand repousse. Copper base. Limited edition. Lacquer is a technique that dates b...
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
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 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
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
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 Jie Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie Vase Black Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet...
Copper