Skip to main content

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
10
10
1
10
10
9
8
8
7
10
4
10
372
91
80
72
71
Creator: Robert Kuo
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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Items
Italian Contemporary Carved Oak Two-Door Cabinet
Italian Contemporary Carved Oak Two-Door Cabinet

Italian Contemporary Carved Oak Two-Door Cabinet

$7,250

H 30.5 in W 47.5 in D 19.75 in

Italian Contemporary Carved Oak Two-Door Cabinet

Located in New York, NY

Italian Contemporary artisan made carved oak two-door cabinet, the interior with shelving for great storage. No hardware as to not interrupt the seamless design of the carved wood. I...

Category

2010s Italian Brutalist Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Helix Cabinet Limited Edition of 3, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona
Helix Cabinet Limited Edition of 3, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona

Helix Cabinet Limited Edition of 3, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona

By Ramón Úbeda, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Helix cabinet limited edition of 3, designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona, Barcelona. Container, frontals and shelves veneered in natural stained dark oak. Legs in aluminum with a brass coat. Accessories in polished varnished brass. Dimensions 200 x 50 x H 67 cm. REmix project Vol.1 & Vol.2. REcuperate, REuse and REinterpret. BD is joining the prefixed RE conscientiousness - with a project that is without any complex inspired in our grandmother’s kitchen. Cooking with leftovers is something as old as necessary and nevertheless creative. In our recipe book exist memorable dishes that are prepared with hard bread from the previous day, and chicken leftovers from Sunday’s roast. Leftovers that are wisely reused and reinterpreted. For example, the canelón or cannelloni that can be transformed into a kitchen masterpiece. Company warehouses in the design sector also accumulate leftovers. Generally, these are loose pieces or components of furniture parts that have been forgotten about and put in a drawer, because there was once an excess in fabrication or have been discontinued. It’s a considerable amount of stock that has no way out and that grows with time until it becomes a problem. It loses all its value but continues taking up space and ends up being legally certified (mandatory) to be destroyed. BD has accumulated outdated materials as well, but before considering destroying it we thought we could give it a second chance. Amongst the materials, there are the door handles and knobs designed by Cristian Cirici, which had a lot of success during the eighties of the past century, but stopped being sold when the company changed direction to focus on other markets. In our actual catalogue, there are no door handles or knobs, but we have unique pieces; so why not convert these leftovers into design and art pieces? We offer a limited edition until stocks last. This project has been named REmix, since it has something of a mix, like disco music that was fashionable at the same time the original pieces were designed. To complete it we have had the help and participation of different authors. REmix Vol.1 is a limited set of candle holders...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Ball Cabinet Limited Edition of 2, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona
Ball Cabinet Limited Edition of 2, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona

Ball Cabinet Limited Edition of 2, Designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona

By BD Barcelona Design, Ramón Úbeda

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Ball cabinet limited edition of 2, designed by Ramón Úbeda for BD Barcelona. Container, frontals and shelves veneered in natural stained dark oak. Legs in aluminum with a brass ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Oak

1979 Claudio Salocchi Two Low Cabinets in White Lacquer by Sormani, Italy
1979 Claudio Salocchi Two Low Cabinets in White Lacquer by Sormani, Italy

1979 Claudio Salocchi Two Low Cabinets in White Lacquer by Sormani, Italy

By Claudio Salocchi, Sormani

Located in Arosio, IT

Vivo Collection was designed by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani in the late Seventies. The aim was to set up an entire collection for the home (lounge, dining, sleeping room & amp.) with just a few wooden panels, suited for a highly productive industry. The collection was the first one of its kind in Italy, with a design that, once again, surpassed the traditional manufacturing methods. The two small vintage cabinets...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Pair of Small Black Lacquer Cabinets Nightstands by J.C. Mahey, 1970s
Pair of Small Black Lacquer Cabinets Nightstands by J.C. Mahey, 1970s

Pair of Small Black Lacquer Cabinets Nightstands by J.C. Mahey, 1970s

By Romeo Paris, Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Paris, IDF

Glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass accents, feels crisp and luxe on this pair of small cabinets. Their boxy, simple style is typical of both the 1970s and designer Jean C...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Narrow Depth Painted Country Style Cabinet
Narrow Depth Painted Country Style Cabinet

Narrow Depth Painted Country Style Cabinet

$1,800

H 67.25 in W 41.25 in D 16.5 in

Narrow Depth Painted Country Style Cabinet

Located in Sheffield, MA

Small and wonderfully painted country style cupboard for the kitchen, a bedroom or a hallway, only 14" deep. This cabinet can be the perfect piece to fit into a small space or tuck i...

Category

Late 19th Century Country Antique Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet
Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet

Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet

By Barbara Barry, Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Modern console table, buffet server, or media cabinet By Barbara Barry for Henredon Philippines, Early 21st Century Walnut, with cream lacquered case, and original bras...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Black Lacquer Three Door Cabinet
Black Lacquer Three Door Cabinet

Black Lacquer Three Door Cabinet

$3,420

H 36.25 in W 43 in D 22 in

Black Lacquer Three Door Cabinet

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Modern black lacquered cabinet with curved front appearing as three doors. Cabinet has two doors that swing open to reveal three shelves for storage.

Category

Late 20th Century Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

Scandinavian Modern, Narrow Oak Cabinet, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Scandinavian Modern, Narrow Oak Cabinet, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

Scandinavian Modern, Narrow Oak Cabinet, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

Charming Danish cabinet crafted in solid oak and raised on a matching stand. The design combines practical storage with traditional craftsmanship, featuring a paneled door with carve...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Rhomboid Vanity/Drinks Cabinet in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Rhomboid Vanity/Drinks Cabinet in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti

Rhomboid Vanity/Drinks Cabinet in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti

$9,861 / item

H 60.63 in W 13.78 in D 15.75 in

Rhomboid Vanity/Drinks Cabinet in Cream Shagreen 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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Brass

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

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Za Xian design 3-door cabinet on stand Antique copper Hand repousse Elmwood Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Dragon Swirl 6 Doors Media Cabinet by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
Dragon Swirl 6 Doors Media Cabinet by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition

Dragon Swirl 6 Doors Media Cabinet by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dragon swirl 6 doors media cabinet Antique copper Hand Repousse Elmwood Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of ha...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Carved Floral 2 Door Armoire - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Carved Floral 2 Door Armoire - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Carved Floral 2 Door Armoire - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carved Floral 2 Door Armoire Cream Lacquer Hand-Carved Elmwood Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer ne...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Banana Leaf Armoire, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock
Banana Leaf Armoire, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock

Banana Leaf Armoire, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, in Stock

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Banana leaf armoire Cream lacquer Hand-carved Elmwood Limited edition Customizable Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacqu...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Cabinets

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

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.