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 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
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 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
Pino Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pino vase Antique copper finish Hand repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto shee...
Copper
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
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
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
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
Robert Kuo Dark Green Round Facet Vase
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand blown glass vase by Robert Kuo, c.2000s, USA. The vase was produced using the peking glass method which originated in China. The dark green colored glass is blown into its form ...
Glass, Art Glass
$4,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Vintage Pair of Copper Spheres Sculptures by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular pair of spheres made of Copper and designed by Robert Kuo in the 1980s. They are in vintage condition. One of them is hit on one side, ( not a big deal), and the other ha...
Copper
Robert Kuo Gray Facet Vase
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand blown glass faceted vase by Robert Kuo, c.2000s, USA. The vase was produced using the peking glass method which originated in China. The gray colored glass is blown into its for...
Glass, Art Glass