Robert Kuo Seating
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
Contemporary Zong Drumstool in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Drumstool
Cream Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made w...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Rounded Square Stool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded square stool
Black lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Each piece is handcrafted individually and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer, Abalone
Contemporary Fang Drumstool in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fang drumstool
Black lacquer
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa ...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Brass and Lacquer Root Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Design bench bases with lacquer top
Brass
Hand Repoussé
Black or Cream Lacquer
Contemporary
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the t...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Hua Design Low Cloisonné Drumstool in Moss by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Cloisonné Drumstool
Moss
Hua Design
Cloisonné
Enamel
Copper
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that d...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tessa bench
Antiqued copper
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique
Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Woodgrain with Lacquer Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain with lacquer bench
Antique copper
Black lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited Edition
Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Drumstool w/ Waist by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drumstool w/ waist
Black lacquer
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, c...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Cloud Barrel Drumstool, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud barrel drumstool
Antique copper
Hand repousse
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Fang Bei Drumstool in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fang Bei Drumstool
Black Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Stainless Steel Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Chair
Stainless Steel
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Accent Chair
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Faceted Drumstool in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted drumstool
Mila Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Faceted Tri Color Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted Tri Color Drumstool
Brass, White Bronze and Copper Metal
with Antiqued Finish
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering de...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Qi Seat, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Qi seat
Black lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus drumstool
Dark antique copper
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditio...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Long Woodgrain Bench - Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long woodgrain bench
Antique copper
Hand repoussé
Wood base
Limited edition
Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The techniqu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary "Yi" Bench in Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yi Bench
Red Bean Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Contemporary
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Metal
Pong Leg Seat, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, In Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pong leg Seat
Antique copper
Hand repoussé
Limited Edition
In stock.
Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origi...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye
Black Lacquer
Antique Copper
Limited Edition
Hand Repousse
Contemporary
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Lounge Chair
White Bronze
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around ...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Black Lacquer Vanity Seat by Robert Kuo, Hand Made, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity Seat
Black Lacquer
Wood Vase
Hand Made
Contemporary
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Toad Skin Block Drumstool, Black Lacquer and Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Toad skin block drumstool
Black lacquer
Antique copper
Hand repousse
Limited Edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative reli...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity seat.
Grey lacquer.
Handmade.
Wood base.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coats of org...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Red Lacquer Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool
Red Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Niu Drumstool in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Niu drumstool
Mila lacquer
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Drumstool w/ Brass Hua Design in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drumstool with Brass Hua Design
Cream Lacquer
Antiqued Brass
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Chair
Antique Copper
Wood Base
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arm Rest Chair
Grey Lacquer
Hand Repousse
Hand Made
Metal Base
37"W x 26"D x 24 3/4"H
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Hexagonal Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool
Cream Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Wood Base
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Brass and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Lounge Chair w/ Cream Lacquer
Brass
Hand Repoussé
Cream Lacquer
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Red Bean Lacquer Low Empire Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Empire drumstool
Red Bean Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Cascade Design Low Drum Stool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cascade Design low drum stool.
Antique copper.
Hand repoussé.
Limited edition.
Customizable.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Antique Copper Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Chair
Antique Copper
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto s...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Bao Seat in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bao Seat
Brass
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around ...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Pillow Drumstool in White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pillow Drumstool
White Bronze
Hand Repoussé
Contemporary
Limited Edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique or...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool
Cream Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Fish Scale Design Low Drumstool in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish scale design low drumstool
Brass
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The tech...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arm rest chair
Cream Lacquer
Metal base
Contemporary
Hand made
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Metal
Antique Copper Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Contemporary
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool
Antique Copper
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Cushion Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Drumstool
Black Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Metal Base
Limited Edition
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Antique Copper Li Design Tripod Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Li Design Tripod drumstool
Antique Copper
Hand Repoussé
Contemporary
Limited Edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The ...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Drumstool with Waist, Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum stool with waist
Mila lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Cylindrical Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical storage Drumstool
Antique copper
Black lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Faceted Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted drumstool
Black lacquer
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, cir...
Category
2010s Modern Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Arm Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arm rest chair
Black lacquer
Handmade
Metal base
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. T...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Metal
Huang Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Huang chair
Cream lacquer
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coat...
Category
2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Indented Seat, Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indented seat
Cream lacquer
Antique copper
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique involve...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Square Crown Drumstool, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square crown drumstool
Cream lacquer
Antique copper
Hand repousse
Limited Edition
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These piece...
Category
2010s Robert Kuo Seating
Materials
Copper
Robert Kuo seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Robert Kuo seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of lacquer and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Robert Kuo were created in the modern style in united states during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Nendo, Sebastian Herkner, and AMBROZIA. Prices for Robert Kuo seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.
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