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Robert Kuo Tableware

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.

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Creator: Robert Kuo
Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne

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...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Tableware

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition

Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stone elevated tray Han Bai Yu stone (White Marble) Hand carved Limited edition Each individual stone vary in inclusions and color. Each piece is ind...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Robert Kuo Tableware

Materials

Stone

Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition
Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition

Han Bai Yu Stone Elevated Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stone Elevated Tray Han Bai Yu stone (White Marble) Hand carved Limited edition **Please note this marble piece has natural inclusions and imperfecti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Robert Kuo Tableware

Materials

Stone

Contemporary Black Lacquer Tang Design Set of Trays w/ Copper Rims by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Black Lacquer Tang Design Set of Trays w/ Copper Rims by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Black Lacquer Tang Design Set of Trays w/ Copper Rims by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tang Design Trays with Copper Rims (Set of 2) Black Lacquer Antiqued Copper Lacquered Copper Metal Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Large: 15 1/4"L X 8 3/4"W X 1 1/2"H Small: 10 1/4"L ...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Tableware

Materials

Copper

Round Plates, Set of 3, Green Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
Round Plates, Set of 3, Green Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

Round Plates, Set of 3, Green Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Round plates (set of 3) Green lacquer Handmade Limited edition Measures: Small 6" diameter x 1 1/2" height Medium: 8 1/2" diameter x 1 1/2" height Large: 10" diameter x 2" heig...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Tableware

Materials

Lacquer

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Previously Available Items
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Robert Kuo tableware for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo tableware are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo tableware, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Robert Kuo tableware can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $2,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $750.