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 Tomato Sculpture in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tomato sculpture Dark Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
Bell Pepper, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bell pepper Red lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B....
Copper
Apple Sculpture, White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple 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 she...
Bronze
Contemporary Black Lacquer Banana Leaf Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Banana Leaf Sculpture/ Tray Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Copper
Contemporary Red Lacquer and Copper Cherries Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Red Lacquer Antique Copper Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Hand Made Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
Banana Leaf, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Banana leaf Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé White Bronze Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture White bronze Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Bronze
Repoussé Brass Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto she...
Brass
Rounded Zong Sculpture, Nephrite Jade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded zong sculpture Nephrite jade Hand carved Stainless steel Hand repousse Limited edition Each individual jade vary in shapes and color Known as the “Stone of Heaven,” ...
Jade
Green Apple Lacquer Sculpture w/ Copper Stem by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Green Lacquer Antique Copper Stem Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Can be placed outdoors but copper stem would patina over time. Repoussé is the traditional art of han...
Copper
Contemporary Copper Apple Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Antique Copper Dark Antique Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
Copper
Contemporary Cherries Sculpture in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Sculpture Dark Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional...
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 Repoussé Copper Grape Sprig Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grape Sprig Sculpture Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
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
Gerber Daisy Flower Sculpture, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerber daisy flower Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art...
Copper
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
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 Apple w/ Worm Sculpture in Antique Copper and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple with worm sculpture Antique copper Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Brass, 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
Rhino, Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Porcelain sculpture of an African rhino with an innovative decoration. This porcelain creation portrays the African rhinoceros, one of the most magnifice...
Porcelain
$15,722
H 6.3 in W 14.57 in D 10.24 in
Torc, a limited edition patinated bronze sculpture by Vivienne Foley
By Vivienne Foley
Located in London, GB
'Torc' is a limited-edition (3 + 2AP) patinated bronze sculpture by the British artist Vivienne Foley. Two have been sold and so there is only one piece left from the edition. Vivie...
Bronze
Bronze Limited Edition "Lioness" Sculpture by Loet Vanderveen
By Loet Vanderveen
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique bronze limited edition "Lioness" sculpture by Loet Vanderveen, circa 2000s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with a wonderful ...
Bronze
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.375 in W 5.5 in D 2 in
Antique Signed Japanese Articulated Crab Sculpture in Copper Jizai Okimono
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique signed Japanese articulated crab sculpture (Jizai OKimono) in copper, circa 1910s. The piece is well detailed and patinated.
Copper
Embraced Sculpture, Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Porcelain creation depicting Jaime Hayon’s latest creation. A work that speaks about looking after oneself and harmony. Jaime Hayon’s latest creation in porcelain for Lladró is a new character sure to be another resounding success. Ten years after...
Porcelain
Lord Shrinathji, Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Porcelain sculpture portraying Shrinathji, one of India’s most venerated gods. Shrinathji is a manifestation of Krishna, one of India’s most venerated deities, incarnated in a seven-...
Porcelain
Art Deco Dancer Sculpture in Copper by Henri Lautier Cast by Robert Thew
By Henri Lautier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This listing is for a Classic and striking Art Deco copper sculpture depicting a dancing nude by Henri Lautier who was a French Sculpture. The sculpture stands at approx 12.25 inches tall, 6" wide, and 6" deep. The figure is mounted on a round copper base. The underside of the base is marked with the year 1928 and the initials of the foundry G. Thew, for Robert Garrett Thew. The condition of the piece is very nice, with no damage, and a great patina on the copper which only age will produce. Robert Garrett Thew (1892-1964) was born in Sharon, CT and studied at Syracuse University under Edward Penfield (1866-1925), Walter Biggs...
Copper
Plopp Mini Stool in Polished Copper 'Limited Edition', Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Plopp mini stool in polished copper (Limited Edition), Zieta Dimensions: Height 19.69 in. x diameter 13.78 in. Height 50 cm x diameter 35 cm Material...
Copper
Limited Edition Hermes Bicycle
By Hermès
Located in Red Lion, PA
Hermes "Quadrille Promenade" bicycle; style: "Le Flaneur d’Hermes"; driven transmission, hydraulic disc brakes and 8 or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub; equipped with saf...
Metal
Lladró Cleopatra Sculpture. Limited Edition.
Located in New York City, NY
Cleopatra, the most famous queen of ancient Egypt, is represented in this masterful limited edition in High Porcelain. This exclusive high porcelain piece, made in matte porcelain...
Porcelain
Forest Hare, Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Porcelain sculpture depicting a hare, inspired by the plant motifs of the designer William Morris, one of the all-time masters of the decorative arts. This sculpture, made in matte black porcelain, depicts an exquisitely ornamented hare inspired by the famous patterns with motifs taken from nature that Morris, one of the key figures in the renewal of the decorative arts, applied in all his works. The piece is finished in matte black porcelain and decorated with Morris’s signature plant motifs, finished in green and metallic tones. William Morris was a multifaceted British artist, instrumental in the renewal of design and the decorative arts. The driving force behind the late-nineteenth century Art and...
Porcelain
$1,400
H 10.5 in Dm 7.75 in
Robert Kuo , contemporary Turquoise color , Peking glass vase/ vessel , signed
By John McGuire, Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful turquoise color Peking glass vase designed by Robert Kuo. signed R Kuo in bottom.
Glass
Robert Kuo Oversized Copper Repoussé Apple, ca 2000s
By Robert Kuo
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Robert Kuo Oversized Copper Repoussé Apple, ca 2000s This is a large and beautiful decorative copper apple that is sure to command attention in any area. Robert Kuo designs are the ...
Copper
Contemporary Double Ring Link Sculpture in Brass and Crystal by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double ring link sculpture Brass Crystal Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The...
Crystal, Brass
Tomato with Copper Stem, Yellow Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tomato with copper stem Yellow lacquer Antique copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The t...
Copper
Sold
H 29.5 in W 28 in D 13 in
Rabbit Sculpture, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Cream 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 dynasty, ...
Copper
Apple Sculpture, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Brass Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet met...
Brass
Sold
H 9.25 in W 32.5 in D 17.5 in
Large Orchid Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé Copper, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orchid sculpture. Antique copper finish. Hand repousse´ copper. Limited edition. Decorative object. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Water Lily Leaf Sculpture by Robert Kuo, One of a Kind
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Water lily leaf sculpture. Cream lacquer. Antique copper finish on stem. Hand Repoussé. Lacquer over copper. One of a kind contemporary decorative sculpture/accessory. Repous...
Copper
Sold
H 15.5 in W 16 in D 13.5 in
Tomato with Copper Stem, Moss Green Lacquer, Antique Copper, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tomato sculpture. Moss green lacquer. Antique copper. Hand repoussé. Copper base. Limited edition. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
Copper