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.
Copper Lotus Leaf Plate by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus leaf plate 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
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Footed Fruit Bowl by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning hand cut lead crystal low bowl created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czech Republic has been selling han...
Crystal
$821
H 2.37 in W 10.24 in D 4.53 in
Handmade Leaf Vide-Poche or Centerpiece in Brass by Cassetti, Italy 1970
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century catchall or centerpiece handcrafted in gilt brass and signed by Renzo Cassetti. This stylish and unique decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Brass
$2,200
H 5 in Dm 10.38 in
Barovier Toso Murano Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Fruit Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown copper aventurine flecks with thin purple swirl Italian art glass footed centerpiece bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e T...
Gold Leaf
$476
H 1.97 in W 17.33 in D 10.63 in
Vintage Large Ceramic Pink Fish Vide-Poche / Decorative Plate by Rometti, Italy
By Rometti Ceramics 1
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Rometti, 1960s. This catchall / vide-poche / decorative plate is made in glazed ceramic with serigraphy, which was painted with gold. It has a shiny finish, slightl...
Gold
Italy Post-Modern Mario Buccellati Silver Bowl Leaf
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Brescia, IT
This silver bowl of Mario Buccellati has an intense beauty and for this reason we can say that it can be a piece of art. The centerpiece is finely engraved, with details that reproduce the imprint of a leaf. On the back, we can see its feet that are made with the shape of two folded leaf. It is a really masterpiece of high Italian craftsmanship. The piece was made in 1980 but we can say that it is in excellent conditions. It has its original and elegant blu box...
Silver
Rare Silver Plated Bauhaus Art Deco Shell Bowl by WMF Ikora, Germany 1930s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: silver plated shell element Producer: WMF, Germany (marked with the wmf ikora signature) AGE: 1930s Description: Wonderful art deco element designed and produced ...
Metal
$1,078Sale Price|40% Off
H 18.9 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Hand Finished Repousse Copper Pair of vases, by Robert Kuo.
By Robert Kuo
Located in Canterbury, England
A unique pair of large, handmade, hand finished repousse copper vases, by Robert Kuo. Robert Kuo decorative objects are world famous, and exhibit...
Copper
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Pedestal Vase, Compote by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning cobalt blue hand cut lead crystal pedestal vase compote created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czech Repu...
Crystal
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Fruit Bowl by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning hand cut lead crystal low fruit bowl created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czech Republic has been selli...
Crystal
$995
H 20 in Dm 9.5 in
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Tall Pedestal Vase, Compote by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning green hand cut lead crystal tall pedestal vase compote created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czech Repub...
Crystal
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Fruit Bowl by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co. Czech Republic
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning hand cut lead crystal low fruit bowl created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czech Republic has been selli...
Crystal
$995
H 20 in Dm 9.5 in
Hand Cut Lead Crystal Tall Pedestal Vase, Compote by Caesar Crystal Bohemiae Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning Teal or Aqua hand cut lead crystal tall pedestal vase compote created as a work of art by the hands of the finest Czech glass workers. The Caesar Crystal Company in the Czec...
Crystal