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.
Ice Carved Bi Disc in Smoke Crystal by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ice carved Bi disc Steel stand Smoke crystal Hand carved Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal
Chinese Twin Dragon Bi Disc
Located in Chicago, IL
The Chinese bi disc has a mysterious and spiritual history, and its function and significance remains uncertain. Thought to provide a conduit to the celestial plane, the bi disc is a...
Stone
Chinese Rare Large Yellow Jade Bi Disc with Vibrant Colors
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare handsome Chinese Heavenly jade Bi disk carved in a rarely found combination of mutton fat yellow and green jade with patches of brown accents in the stone that depict a green ...
Jade
White Ceremonial Granite Bi Disc
Located in Somis, CA
The Bi was a traditional ceremonial scepter used by the Chinese Emperors to connect with the Heavenly Gods. A symbol of unity and holistic harmony, it was used in ancient celestial c...
Granite, Steel
Chinese Mottled Green Bi Disc
Located in Chicago, IL
The Chinese bi disc has a mysterious and spiritual history, and its function and significance remains uncertain. Thought to provide a conduit to the celestial plane, the bi disc is a...
Stone
$475
H 13.75 in W 4.5 in D 6.5 in
Hand-Carved Thai Buddha Head Sculpture in Wood & Bronze, 20th Century
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A fine example of a hand carved solid wood Oriental Buddha head, in overall good condition, hand painted and the top ornament made of bronze. Mounted on decorative genuine coral...
Bronze
$69,370
H 27.96 in W 10.24 in D 34.26 in
15/20th Limited Edition Of Xai Surrealistic Side Table by Salvador Dalí
By (after) Salvador Dali
Located in Barcelona, ES
Design inspired on an artwork by Salvador Dali´: Interpretation project for a stable-library, 1942 Stuffed lamb, elaborated with a technique by a taxidermist. Drawer and table top i...
Brass
Chinese Set Two Hand Carved Jade Bi
Located in South Burlington, VT
This is a set of two (2) very fine quality (2) authentic Chinese jade bi disc from the 20th century or older. These come from our private collection. Quality: very fine translucen...
Jade
Antique Hand Carved Panel
Located in New York, NY
Antique hand carved architectural panel from Toraja. This carving symbolizes the protection of the home. Originally used as an exterior panel. Great art piece. This antique panel ...
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Rock Crystal Tiger Kingdom Sculpture Hand Carved
Located in Somis, CA
A magnificent and rare hand-carved sculpture, depicting five tigers roaming through a forest. This exceptional piece is carved from a single, solid block of natural rock crystal, sho...
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Chinese White Marble Bi Disc
Located in Chicago, IL
The Chinese bi disc has a mysterious and spiritual history, and its function and significance remains uncertain. Thought to provide a conduit to the celestial plane, the bi disc is a...
Marble
$1,882
H 22.05 in W 6.3 in D 5.91 in
Guanyin in Carved Wood and Polichrome, China, Early 20th Century, Asian Art
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guanyin in carved wood and polichrome, China, early 20th century, Asian art Measures: H 56cm, W 16cm, W 15cm.
Wood
$4,372
H 20.08 in W 16.93 in D 14.18 in
Contemporary Sculpture Hand Blown Glass Bonsai 2023 Frozen Time Tree Ice Winter
By Simone Crestani
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Masterfully crafted by renowned Italian artist Simone Crestani This extraordinary Frozen Glass Bonsai Tree Sculpture is a poetic vision of stillness...
Blown Glass