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 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
Woodgrain Design Copper Console with Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain design console Black lacquer Antique copper Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back t...
Copper
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
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
Set of Waterfall Red Lacquer Nesting Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of waterfall red lacquer nesting tables red lacquer over wood base. A technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Wood, Lacquer
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
Ching Style Console in Black Lacquer and Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ching Style Console w/ Copper Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Black Lacquer Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
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 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
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 ...
Lacquer
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
Half Round Table, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Half round table Red lacquer Handmade Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that ...
Elm
Shang Scroll Table in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shang Scroll table Dark antique copper finish Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative rel...
Copper
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
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-...
Lacquer
Contemporary Spool Side Table in Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spool Side Table Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Brass
Dong Shan Table - Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, In Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan Table Grey 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 c...
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
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
Contemporary Rounded Square Drumstool in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded square drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Contemporary 21 1/4"SQ x 15 3/4"H Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Copper Square Fluted Table with Black Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square fluted table Antique copper Black lacquer top Hand Repoussé Lacquered Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
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
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
Contemporary Brancusi Table in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brancusi Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition 22"Dia x 24"H Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
Contemporary Brass Rimmed Curved Table w/ Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass rimmed curve table w/ cream lacquer. Hand Repoussé Antiqued Brass Hand Made Lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditiona...
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
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
Contemporary Mila Lacquer Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong shan table 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, circa ...
Metal
Octagonal Side Table with Brass, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Octagonal side table with brass Antique copper Brass Hand repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The te...
Brass, Copper
Dong Shan Table, Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Brass Hand Repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Brass
Contemporary Arch Console w/ Brass Trim in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arch Console with Brass Trim Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet me...
Brass
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. ...
Copper
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 ...
Copper
Dong Shan Table Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Red bean lacquer 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 made wit...
Lacquer
Contemporary Grey Lacquer Short Pillow Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short pillow drumstool Grey Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty...
Lacquer
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...
Lacquer
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
Le Verre Table with Cream Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Verre table with cream lacquer top Antique copper Cream lacquer Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditiona...
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...
Lacquer
Lobed Le Verre Table - Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Le Verre table Cream lacquer top Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamme...
Copper
Low "T" Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low "T" 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 co...
Lacquer
Nesting Tables with Flange Corners, Set of Two, by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nesting table with flange corners Red lacquer Handmade Set of two Limited edition Measures: Large table: 23" W x 16 1/4" D x 23 3/4" H Small table: 17 1/4" W x 16 1/4" D x 20 1/2" H...
Lacquer
Sectional Coffee Table, Black Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sectional coffee table (Set of three) Black lacquer Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Section 1: 28" x 20" x 18" H Section 2: 28" x 28" x 18" H - brass Section 3: 48" x 20" x 18" ...
Brass
Copper Wood Grain Top with Brass Base Side Table by Rober Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood grain design copper top. Brass base. Antique copper finish. Hand repoussé. Limited Edition. Customizable. Repoussé is the traditional art o...
Copper, Brass
Robert Kuo Metal Indian Style Drum Side Tables, Two Available
By Robert Kuo
Located in Miami, FL
Robert Kuo Metal Indian-Style Drum Side Tables, Two Available Offered for sale individually are two hammered metal Indian-style drum tables or seats by the renowned Chinese artist a...
Metal
Contemporary White Bronze Oval Dong Shan Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Dong Shan Table White Bronze Hand Repoussé Bronze Metal Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of han...
Bronze
Contemporary Dong Shan Table in Red Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan Table w/ Brass Red Lacquer Top Hand Repoussé Brass Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal...
Brass
Pleats Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pleats storage drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of han...
Copper