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.
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
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
19th Century, China Burl Wood Top with Contemporary Repoussé Brass Base Table
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one of a kind table consisting of an antique burl wood top from the 19th century circa late Ching dynasty and a contemporary Robert Kuo hand repo...
Metal, Brass
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 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
Brass Root Design Cocktail Table Base with Cream Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass root cocktail table base set w/ cream lacquer top. Hand Repoussé Brass Cream lacquer Hand made Limited edition Contemporary Repoussé...
Brass
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
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
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
Black 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. Tabletop only. Base in images not included. Measures: 45" diameter black lacquer entry...
Metal
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Oval Dong Shan Table, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Black lacquer Hand repousse Metal base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang d...
Lacquer
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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