Skip to main content

Robert Kuo Benches

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.

to
8
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
7
6
1
2
1
8
8
5
3
2
8
1
8
360
216
161
75
70
Creator: Robert Kuo
Hand Repoussé Antiqued Copper Rabbit Garden Seat by Robert Kuo
Hand Repoussé Antiqued Copper Rabbit Garden Seat by Robert Kuo

Hand Repoussé Antiqued Copper Rabbit Garden Seat by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rabbit Garden Seat Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Garden Sculpture/Furniture Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Copper

Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse
Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse

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 Benches

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Bean-Shape Bench in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Bean-Shape Bench in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Bean-Shape Bench in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bean Shape Bench Dark Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ha...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Copper

Long Woodgrain Bench - Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Long Woodgrain Bench - Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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 Benches

Materials

Copper

Woodgrain with Lacquer Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
Woodgrain with Lacquer Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition

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 Benches

Materials

Copper

Contemporary "Yi" Bench in Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary "Yi" Bench in Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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 Benches

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Hand Repoussé Bao Seat in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Bao Seat in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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 Benches

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Brass and Lacquer Root Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Brass and Lacquer Root Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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 Benches

Materials

Brass

Related Items
1980s Limited Edition Black Lacquer and Copper Table by Robert Kuo
1980s Limited Edition Black Lacquer and Copper Table by Robert Kuo

1980s Limited Edition Black Lacquer and Copper Table by Robert Kuo

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Limited edition lacquer and repousse' table/ bench by Robert Kuo for Maguire.

Category

20th Century Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Copper

Horizon Bench by RAIN, Contemporary Bench, Solid Wood and Plywood, Limited
Horizon Bench by RAIN, Contemporary Bench, Solid Wood and Plywood, Limited

Horizon Bench by RAIN, Contemporary Bench, Solid Wood and Plywood, Limited

By RAIN

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

This contemporary bench shows that perspective is a visual illusion that gives the notion of depth to an image. The Horizon bench has its shape drawn fro...

Category

2010s Brazilian International Style Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Wood, Plywood

Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom
Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom

Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice solid walnut bench or coffee table by Risom.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Kuo Benches

Limited Edition Victoria Bench in Black Velvet & Brass by R&Y Augousti
Limited Edition Victoria Bench in Black Velvet & Brass by R&Y Augousti

Limited Edition Victoria Bench in Black Velvet & Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The limited edition Victoria bench...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Brass

Limited Edition Italian Two-Tier Brown Wood Bench With Brass Legs
Limited Edition Italian Two-Tier Brown Wood Bench With Brass Legs

Limited Edition Italian Two-Tier Brown Wood Bench With Brass Legs

Located in New York, NY

A limited edition contemporary studio made Italian bench of brown oak veneer with upturned sides with two tiers, the top with a removable pale mustard and brown flecked chenille cush...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Wood

Antique Javanese Burl Wood Bench Hand-Carved Sculptural Seat, c. 1900
Antique Javanese Burl Wood Bench Hand-Carved Sculptural Seat, c. 1900

Antique Javanese Burl Wood Bench Hand-Carved Sculptural Seat, c. 1900

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

This exceptional antique Javanese bench is a striking fusion of function and sculpture. The gracefully curved seat has been hand-carved from a single solid block of burl wood, its or...

Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

1960s Organic Bench
1960s Organic Bench

1960s Organic Bench

$8,300

H 13.75 in W 40 in D 11.25 in

1960s Organic Bench

Located in New York, NY

1960s organic bench. Solid walnut bench with dovetails. Can also be used as a coffee table.

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Walnut

Hand Carved Stone Rustic Park Garden Bench Seat Decorative Element Farm Winery
Hand Carved Stone Rustic Park Garden Bench Seat Decorative Element Farm Winery

Hand Carved Stone Rustic Park Garden Bench Seat Decorative Element Farm Winery

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hand Carved Stone Rustic Park Garden Bench Seat Decorative Element Farm Winery . Circa 1700’s Elements creating a Hand carved stone rustic Antique Bench for indoor outdoor landscape....

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Bench Coffee Table by Lane
Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Bench Coffee Table by Lane

Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Bench Coffee Table by Lane

By Lane Furniture

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern walnut long bench two tear coffee table.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival
Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival

Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival

Located in Tyler, TX

UNIQUE Carved Oak French Renaissance Revival Coffee Table, Bench or Window Seat/Settee with Grey Marble Top~~c. 1900-1920s Beautifully carved "scroll" accents on sides and stretche...

Category

1920s French Renaissance Revival Vintage Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Marble

Andrianna Shamaris Coffee Table or Bench Made from Antique Teak Wood
Andrianna Shamaris Coffee Table or Bench Made from Antique Teak Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Coffee Table or Bench Made from Antique Teak Wood

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Made from a beautiful antique single teak wood panel with lovely patina and soft rounded edges. Celebrating the cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time and loving use h...

Category

2010s Rustic Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Previously Available Items
Contemporary Crystal Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Crystal Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Crystal Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 3 Bench Crystal Hand Carved Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Crystal inclusions vary Robert Kuo Crystal is carved using jad...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Crystal

Woodgrain Design Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
Woodgrain Design Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé

Woodgrain Design Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Woodgrain Design Bench Antique copper Hand Repousse Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamme...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Copper

Dragon Bench, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
Dragon Bench, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition

Dragon Bench, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dragon bench Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around 800 BC ...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Brass

Crystal Low Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved
Crystal Low Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved

Crystal Low Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved

Sold

H 12.5 in W 66.5 in D 10.5 in

Crystal Low Bench by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Crystal low bench Crystal Hand carved 3 separate pieces Customizable.  

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Crystal

"U" Shaped Bench Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
"U" Shaped Bench Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

"U" Shaped Bench Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"U" shaped bench Brass Hand repoussé Wood base Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originate...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Brass

Lotus Leaf Bench by Robert Kuo, Antique Copper, Limited Edition
Lotus Leaf Bench by Robert Kuo, Antique Copper, Limited Edition

Lotus Leaf Bench by Robert Kuo, Antique Copper, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lotus leaf design bench Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique origin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Robert Kuo Benches

Materials

Copper

Robert Kuo benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Aaron Scott Design, Arno Declercq, and Nico Yektai. Prices for Robert Kuo benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,500 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,000.