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.
Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...
Copper, Enamel
$117 / item
H 1.97 in W 13 in D 8.27 in
Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Rectangular Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
By Les Ottomans, Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Iron
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Round Large Celestial Blue, Terracotta
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try Tray round - clear celestial blue, terracotta Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear celestial blue, terracotta Dimensio...
Resin
Staved Teak Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition with signs of usage and patina.
Teak
$1,130 / item
H 0.87 in Dm 15.75 in
New Modern Tray in White Michelangelo Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
By Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simplicity is beauty. Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Nysiros, Materia e Tavola Collection by Ivan Colominas, Spanish Designer. Also available in Black Marquina Marble. Made in Italy, hand finished. Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
Marble
$107 / item
H 1.19 in W 12.21 in D 6.3 in
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Rectangular Small Light Ruby Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try-Tray rectangular - Clear ruby, matt turquoise Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear ruby, matt turquoise Dimensions: 31...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Round Large Dark Ruby Acid Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray round - dark ruby, matt acid green Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Dark ruby, matt acid green Dimensions: Ø 42 cm ...
Resin
Rina Menardi Handmade Ceramic Green Wavy Rectangular Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian handmade ceramic tray in green bamboo by Rina Menardi. Available in many other colors. Made to order. Shipping from Europe not included.
Ceramic
$151 / item
H 1.19 in W 12.21 in D 12.21 in
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Square Medium Clear Yellow, Matt Turquoise
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray square - Clear yellow, matt turquoise Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear yellow, matt turquoise Dimensions: 31c...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Rectangular Large Light Ruby Ochre
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try-Tray rectangular - Clear Ruby, ochre Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear ruby, ochre Dimensions: 56cm x D 36cm Materi...
Resin
Spanish Hand Painted Polychromed Floral Tole Tray
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish hand-painted black metal decorative tole tray, 1930s Victorian style Tole tray with polychrome hand-painted floral and bird motif on a black lacquered background. Lovely to b...
Metal
$227 / item
H 1.19 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Square Large Tray Blue Fluo Fuchsia
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray square - matt blue, fluo fuchsia Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: matt blue, fluo fuchsia Dimensions: 40 cm x 40 cm...
Resin
$600
H 2.76 in W 6.5 in D 3.75 in
1950s Patinated Brass Storage Box with Lid by PAL-BELL, Iconic Israeli Design
By Pal-Bell
Located in Lejre, DK
This storage box with a lid is crafted from patinated brass and is an iconic design from the 1950s, produced in Israel by the renowned company PAL-BELL. The box features a unique, mo...
Brass