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.
Fluted Goblet Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fluted Goblet Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Contemporary Short Facet Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short Facet Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Contemporary Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Hoof Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hoof vase Raspberry peking glass finish Hand blown glass Hand carved Contemporary Limited Edition. Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Gua Cachepot by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gua Cachepot Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Copper Finish Varies Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering dec...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Cachepot by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cachepot Cream Lacquer Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Helix Vase by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. This vase needs a liner Lacquer is a technique th...
Lacquer
Hand Repoussé Swirl Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Contemporary
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swirl Vase Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Contemporary Ten Facet Peking Glass Vase in Red Bean by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ten Facet Vase Red Bean Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in B...
Glass, Blown Glass
Low Tree Trunk Cachepot, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low tree trunk cachepot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origin...
Copper
Bamboo Design Low Cachepot, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bamboo design low cachepot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique ori...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Large Tree Trunk Pot in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large tree trunk design pot Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the t...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Round Jarlet in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Jarlet Black Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decor...
Copper
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Cream lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it...
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer "Bo" Pot with Copper Rim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bo pot Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ...
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
Contemporary Repousse Fan Design Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fan Design vase Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Root Vase with Copper Trim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root vase with copper trim Cream lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. R...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ji Guan Hua Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Hua Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
Copper
Contemporary Block Vase w/ Pleats Design in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Block vase w/ pleats design Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. Th...
Copper
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Kuai Block Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kuai Design Block vase Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary This vase needs a liner. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Baluster Vase with White Bronze Stripes by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Vase w/ White Bronze Stripes Black Lacquer White Bronze Stripes Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a ...
Bronze
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Black lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to be boil...
Copper
Contemporary Dai Gu Coral Peking Glass Vase by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dai Gu Vase Coral Peking Glass Hand Carved Hand Blown Limited Edition Contemporary Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshop...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Tear Drop Verde Grass Design Cloisonné Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase Verde Grass Design Glass Enamel Cloisonné Limited Edition Contemporary The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the Byzantine Emp...
Copper, Enamel
Ola Design Planter with Liner, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola design planter with removable liner Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The t...
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ribbed Jar in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ribbed Jar Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Antique Copper Barrel Vase by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 80...
Copper
Gold Tang Design Pot, 24-Karat Gold Plate by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold tang design pot 24-karat gold plate Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-...
Gold Plate, 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
Baluster Jar & Lid, Fish Scale Design by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Cloisonné
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Jar & Lid Fish Scale Design Cloisonne Amber, Brown, and Black Hand Made Limited Edition
Enamel
Contemporary Urn Shape Vase in Bai Jade Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Urn Shape Vase Bai Jade Peking Glass Hand Blown Glass Hand Carved Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and Commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Repoussé Hexagonal Short 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
Contemporary Black Lacquer and Copper Jar by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jar Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techni...
Copper
Contemporary Baluster Vase w/ Copper Rim in Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Vase w/ Rim Red Lacquer Copper Rim Hand Repousse Lacquered Metal Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pi...
Copper
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
Contemporary Bamboo Shaven Peking Glass Vase in Raspberry by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bamboo Shaven Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Carved Hand Blown Glass Limited Edition Contemporary Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and co...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Za Xian Pot in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Za Xian Pot Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ont...
Copper
Rock Bud Vase, Short, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rock bud vase (Short) Black lacquer Copper base handmade / Hand repousse Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynas...
Lacquer
Contemporary Tear Drop Cloisonné Vase in Verde Grass Design by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase (Short) Verde Color Grass Design Cloisonné Glass Enamel Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal t...
Copper, Enamel
Ola Vase, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola vase Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 800 ...
Copper
Contemporary Tall Gourd Vase in Grey Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall gourd vase. Grey peking glass. Hand carved. Limited Edition Measures: 8"dia x 13"height Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Jie Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie Vase Black Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet...
Copper
Contemporary Repousse Ju Wen Jarlet in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ju Wen Jarlet Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
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
Contemporary Cloud Design Brushpot in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud design brushpot Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet meta...
Copper
Contemporary Lobed Planter w/ Waist in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Planter w/ Waist Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition This planter requires a liner Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Copper
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 Hand Repousse Antique Copper Willow Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willow vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique inv...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Kuai Block Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kuai design block vase Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Contemporary This vase requires a liner Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
The Tree Trunk Pot Large, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree Trunk pot large Cream lacquer Hand repoussé Steel base Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-110...
Steel
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
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
Contemporary Red Lacquer 4 Petal Pot by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 petal pot Red lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper base Contemporary Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ...
Copper
Chrysanthemum Lobe Kung Pot, Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrysanthemum Lobe Kung pot Black copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origi...
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
$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
$1,800
Robert Kuo 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 soft glowing green colored glass is blown into i...
Glass, Art Glass
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