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.
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...
Lacquer
Contemporary Window Side Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Window Side Table Black Lacquer Hand Made Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Copper
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...
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...
Brass
Contemporary Repoussé Brass Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Corner Nesting Side Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting tables - Set of 2 Cream Lacquer Wood base Hand made Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyn...
Wood, Lacquer
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...
Copper
Half Round Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
34" half round table Black lacquer Elm wood handmade Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique th...
Elm, Lacquer
$1,770Sale Price|40% Off
Ebonized Table with Cloisonné Top by Robert Kuo for McGuire
By Robert Kuo
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very handsome, well-made accent or side table by Robert Kuo for McGuire Furniture. Although quite simple, contouring adds character and interest to the otherwise simple Par...
Wood
Contemporary Jie Design Demi Lune Table in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jie Design Demi Lune Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
Copper
Pleats Design Nesting Table (Set of 3) in Repoussé Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats Design Copper Nesting Tables (Set of 3) Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary NESTING TABLE MEASUREMENTS: Large: 30.5"L x 16"D x 24"H Medium: 26. 5"L x 16...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Leaf Shape Table Base in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus Leaf Table Base **BASE ONLY** Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Brass Cream Lacquer or Black Lacquer Table Top available Each piece i...
Brass
Oval Coffee Table, Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval coffee table Dark antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto ...
Copper
Low Square Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low square table Black Lacquer (80 coats) Handmade Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with ...
Lacquer
Low Round Table - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Round Table Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé 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 ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Sphere Table w/ Square Top in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sphere table w/ Square Top Black Lacquer Hand repoussé Metal base Limited edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Lacquer
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Oblong Cocktail Table with Brass Trim by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oblong cocktail table with brass side trim Cream lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Lacquer wood bases Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, cir...
Brass
Contemporary Han Bai Yu White Marble "O" Side Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Side Table Han Bai Yu (Chinese White Marble) Hand Carved Limited Edition Contemporary Warm white marble side table with natural brown and gray streak inclusions. This side table...
Marble
Contemporary Repoussé Hexagonal Table in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer 5 Legged Entry Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Legged Entry Table Cream Lacquer Hand Made Hand Repoussé Metal Base Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. ...
Lacquer
Hexagonal Drumstool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool 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, ...
Lacquer
T Console, Pleats Design in Copper By Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"T" console pleats design Light antique copper finish Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repo...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Nuage Side Table in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nuage side table Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Brass
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...
Lacquer, Abalone
Contemporary Ji Guan Side Table in Cream Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Side Table w/ Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet me...
Brass
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...
Lacquer
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...
Bronze
Cintura Nesting Tables (Set of 2) in Brass and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cintura Nesting Tables with Copper (Set of 2) Brass Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass, Copper
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...
Copper
Corner Nesting Table, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Set of 2, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting table Red lacquer Wood base Limited edition Inner table: 25 1/2" W x 16" D x 20" D x 21" H Inner table: 34" W x 22" D x 26" D x 24...
Lacquer
Contemporary Square Rocco Table in Antique Copper & Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square Rocco Table Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techniq...
Copper
Diagonal Cascade Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diagonal Cascade design side table Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
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...
Lacquer
Hand Repoussé Antiqued Copper Temple Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Temple Console Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper over Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand...
Copper
Drum Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum table Black lacquer handmade Hand repousse Metal base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are ...
Metal
Quilt Square Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Quilt square drumstool Hand repousse Antique copper Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet meta...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Woodgrain Design Console by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain Design Console Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The...
Copper
Contemporary Six Petal Tray in Cream Lacquer and Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six Petal Tray Antiqued Copper Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
Tree Trunk Half Round Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree trunk half round table Brass Hand repousse Limited edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Brass
Contemporary Parsons Console in Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Parsons Console Red 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 1...
Lacquer
Hand Repoussé Copper Oblong Six Petal Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oblong Six Petal Console Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Copper
Low Square Table in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low square table Grey lacquer 80 coats of lacquer Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with a...
Lacquer
Cream Lacquer Entry Table Top by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 organic lacquer. Each layer of lacquer is applied with a curing period of 24 hours in between so that it can dry. Table top only...
Wood, 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...
Copper
Contemporary Copper Crescent Side Table w/ Red Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crescent Side Table w/ Red Top Antiqued Copper Red Lacquer Top Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Low Round Table, Woodgrain Design, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low round table - woodgrain design Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hamme...
Copper
Za Xian Dining Table Base ‘Pair’, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Za Xian dining table base Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Lacquer top on image is not included. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Copper
E Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
E side table Antique copper Hand repousse Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
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 ...
Lacquer
Le Verre Table with Black Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Verre table with black lacquer top Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is ...
Copper
Contemporary Leaf Design Cocktail Table in Cream Lacquer w/ Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leaf Design Cocktail Table w/ Brass Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Brass
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Brass Oval Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Dong Shan Table Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Brass Metal Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand...
Brass
Drum Table with Toad Skin Design, Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum table with toad skin design Antique copper Black copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse...
Copper
Facet Side Table in Brass with Octagon Smoke Crystal Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Side Table Brass Base Hand Repoussé Smoke Crystal Top Hand Carved Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and unique. Smoke crystal top inclusions will vary. Repo...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
Nesting Tables w/ Pleats Design in Red Lacquer (Set of 2) by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nesting Tables with Pleats Design Red Lacquer Copper Base Hand Repoussé One of a Kind Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
Copper
Water Lily Table in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Contemporary, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Water lily table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the...
Copper
Copper Sphere Table with Square Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sphere table antique copper black lacquer hand repoussé limited edition side table. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ar...
Copper
Ji Guan Half Round Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan half round table Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-...
Brass
Contemporary 6 Lobed Petal Stand Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6 Lobed petal stand Cream Lacquer Hand Made Metal Base Repoussé Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynas...
Metal