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Robert Kuo Cabinets

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 Rocco Small Short Cabinet in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Rocco Small Short Cabinet in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Rocco Small Short Cabinet in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rocco Small Short Cabinet Cream Lacquer Elm wood Hand Carved Doors Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer need...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Isola Design Armoire, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Isola Design Armoire, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Isola Design Armoire, Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Isola Design Armoire Antique copper Hand repoussé Elmwood Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique ...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Chest on Chest by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Chest on Chest by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Chest on Chest by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cloud Design Chest on Chest Set Cream Lacquer Elmwood Hand Carved Lacquered Wood Copper Contemporary Limited Edition Top Chest: 24"H Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Sh...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Pleats Armoire by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable
Pleats Armoire by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable

Pleats Armoire by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pleats design armoire. Hand repoussé copper Antique copper finish Wood interior Limited Edition Customizable Repoussé is the traditional art of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Low Cabinet with Amber Shargreen Cloisonné Panel by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Low Cabinet with Amber Shargreen Cloisonné Panel by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Low Cabinet with Amber Shargreen Cloisonné Panel by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low cabinet with Amber Shargreen panels Amber cloisonné Elmwood Brass panel lining handmade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an en...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Enamel

Contemporary Cream Lacquer Three Panel Low Cabinet by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Three Panel Low Cabinet by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Cream Lacquer Three Panel Low Cabinet by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Three Panel Low Cabinet w/ White Bronze Trim Cream Lacquer Hand Made White Bronze Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique ...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Ice Crackle Antique Copper 3 Door Cabinet on Stand by Robert Kuo
Ice Crackle Antique Copper 3 Door Cabinet on Stand by Robert Kuo

Ice Crackle Antique Copper 3 Door Cabinet on Stand by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ice Crackle 3 Doors Cabinet on Stand Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Elmwood Hand Made Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Narrow Cabinet with Gobi Design Single Door with 4 shelves Antique Copper Hand Repousse Elmwood Lacquered Limited Edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammerin...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

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Previously Available Items
Za Xian 3-Door Cabinet on Stand, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Za Xian 3-Door Cabinet on Stand, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Za Xian 3-Door Cabinet on Stand, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

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Banana Leaf Armoire, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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Robert Kuo cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider cabinets by Stefan Rurak , Dos Gallos Studio, and Finn Juhl. Prices for Robert Kuo cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,750 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $11,250.