Skip to main content

Robert Kuo Antiquities

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.

to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
343
10
4
3
2
Creator: Robert Kuo
19th Century, China Burl Wood Top with Contemporary Repoussé Brass Base Table
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one of a kind table consisting of an antique burl wood top from the 19th century circa late Ching dynasty and a contemporary Robert Kuo hand repo...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century, China Burl Wood Top with Contemporary Repoussé Brass Base Table
19th Century, China Burl Wood Top with Contemporary Repoussé Brass Base Table

19th Century, China Burl Wood Top with Contemporary Repoussé Brass Base Table

$10,800
Related Items
19th Century Chinese Drum Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A 19th century Chinese opera drum with stretched hide drumhead and hand carved wooden pegs to hold it in place. Perfect for use as a small drinks ta...
Category

19th Century Chinese Rustic Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Hide, Wood

19th Century Chinese Drum Table
19th Century Chinese Drum Table

19th Century Chinese Drum Table

$712 Sale Price
25% Off
H 8 in W 12 in D 12 in
Large 19th Century Chinese Red Painted Coffee Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This early 19th-century red lacquered Chinese bed or coffee table dates back to the 1800s. The red lacquer exhibits a soft patina, characteristic of traditional Chinese lacquer art. The table features a clean, panelled top with a wide trim surrounding it. The top rests on a simple apron that transitions into four legs, each with slightly curved 'horse hoof' style feet, a 'waisted' top, and 'S'-shaped stretchers between the legs. With its beautiful patina and understated design, this 19th-century Chinese coffee table would make a stylish addition to any living room, perfectly suited for displaying history or art books and fresh flowers. Handcrafted using wooden pegs and a tenon structure, this table exemplifies traditional craftsmanship in ancient Chinese furniture...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century Chinese Red Painted Coffee Table
Large 19th Century Chinese Red Painted Coffee Table

Large 19th Century Chinese Red Painted Coffee Table

$3,868 Sale Price
35% Off
H 17.52 in W 74.81 in D 50.01 in
19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small alter / communion table in peach wood from the Zhejiang Province of China. Original condition with red lacquer with age-related patina. Ming sty...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China
19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

$932
H 33.86 in W 45.67 in D 14.57 in
Japanese Antique Table, Early 20th Century
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This cafe table has attractive legs that form a unique curve. The bow-like curves, lavishly carved from high-quality ash wood, are both cute and elegant. Another attractive feature ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Table, Early 20th Century
Japanese Antique Table, Early 20th Century

Japanese Antique Table, Early 20th Century

$1,780
H 23.55 in Dm 25.79 in
Burl Wood Brass Glass Top Square Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern massive burl wood frame glass top square coffee table. Gorgeous burl wood grain pattern. Nice design proportions.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Brass

Burl Wood Brass Glass Top Square Coffee Table
Burl Wood Brass Glass Top Square Coffee Table

Burl Wood Brass Glass Top Square Coffee Table

$4,200
H 15 in W 40 in D 40 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low coffee table from the 19th century, with horse hoof legs and distressed patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low coffee table feat...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Distressed Patina
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Distressed Patina

Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Distressed Patina

$1,500
H 11.25 in W 31.5 in D 18 in
Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant elmwood console is handcrafted and so the beautiful details under the top and to the corners, both the sides. This is a piece of glamorous timeless The top is in solid...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Elm

Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export
Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export

Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export

$3,542 Sale Price
20% Off
H 33.47 in W 70.48 in D 14.18 in
18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare Chinese ebonized rootwood table, Qing Dynasty, dating to the second half of the 18th century to early 19th century. The impressive black lacquere...
Category

18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table
18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table

18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table

$8,500
H 14.5 in W 56 in D 21 in
19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions
Located in BILBAO, ES
Chinese black lacquerd tea table with gilt highlights, circa 1930's. Needs restauration in left side, but the design and style is precious because it reunites black lacquered with a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Bentwood

19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions
19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions

19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions

$1,980
H 9.45 in W 18.51 in D 5.52 in
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Bamboo Low Coffee Table with Slatted Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty bamboo low coffee table from the 19th century, with slatted top. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low bamb...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Bamboo Low Coffee Table with Slatted Top
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Bamboo Low Coffee Table with Slatted Top

Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Bamboo Low Coffee Table with Slatted Top

$1,250
H 7.5 in W 23.5 in D 23.5 in
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Coffee Table with Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period coffee table from the 19th century, with nicely distressed patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low table, originally used as a bench, features a rectangular single plank top sitting above a simply carved apron. Boasting a nicely distressed patina, the table is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through double stretchers on the sides. With its clean lines and weathered appearance, this Qing Dynasty coffee table...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Coffee Table with Distressed Patina
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Coffee Table with Distressed Patina

Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Coffee Table with Distressed Patina

$4,800
H 23 in W 83 in D 21 in
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elm Coffee Table with Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood coffee table from the 19th century with woven rattan top, cabriole legs and reddish brown patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty peri...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Robert Kuo Antiquities

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elm Coffee Table with Rattan Top
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elm Coffee Table with Rattan Top

Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elm Coffee Table with Rattan Top

$4,900
H 20 in W 72 in D 36 in

Robert Kuo antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo antiquities are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo antiquities, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Robert Kuo antiquities can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $10,800 and can go as high as $10,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,800.

Recently Viewed

View All