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.
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 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
$12,300 / item
Temple Bell Pot with Copper Band and Black Lacquer
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique copper finish on copper band Hand repousse´ Black lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Chinese lacquer is a highly regarded art form an...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Water Ox Sculpture in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Water Ox sculpture Antique copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tr...
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
Le Verre Table with Cream Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Verre table with cream lacquer top Antique copper Cream lacquer Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditiona...
Copper
High Tang Vase, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High tang design vase with white bronze rim Black lacquer Hand repousse Bronze base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dat...
Bronze
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
Saddle Seat Drumstool, Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saddle seat drum stool Grey 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...
Lacquer
Indented Seat, Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indented seat Cream lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique involve...
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
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 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 Weave Design Vase in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Weave design vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Use liner for floral arrangement Repoussé is the traditional a...
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Persimmon Box, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Persimmon box Red lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Copper
Da Hu Copper Jar, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Da Hu copper jar Antique copper Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Copper
Diagonal Cascade Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diagonal Cascade design side table Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
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
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
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
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
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
Three-Tier Faceted Lamp with Stand by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-tier faceted lamp with stand. Hand-carved bai jade peking glass. Hand repoussé copper with antique finish. Natural silk shade. Shade dimensions:...
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
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
Contemporary Grey Peking Glass Cylindrical Carved Wave Design Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical Carved Wave Design Vase Grey Peking Glass Hand Carved Peking Glass Hand Blown Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Bark Design Vanity Chair with Wood Seat in Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bark Design Vanity Chair w/ Wood Seat Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ont...
Copper
Contemporary Lying Down Cat Sculpture in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cat (Lying Down) Sculpture Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Eyes Copper Base Hand Repoussé Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
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
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 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
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
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
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 High Compote in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High Compote 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 16...
Lacquer
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
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
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
Square Crown Drumstool, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square crown drumstool Cream lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These piece...
Copper
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
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
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
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
Robert Kuo Red Tree Trunk Sculpture
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand blown glass and metal sculpture by Robert Kuo, c.2000s, USA. The globe was produced using the peking glass method which originated in China. The red colored glass is blown into ...
Metal, Silver Plate