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.
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
Copper Coral Design Base w/ Cream Lacquer Top Cocktail Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coral Design Base w/ Cream Lacquer Top Antique Copper Base Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer One of a Kind 3-Piece Set Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the ...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$7,598
H 14.97 in W 43.31 in D 29.93 in
Modern Sistelo Coffee Table, Oak Root Brass, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Sistelo Coffee Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sistelo coffee table draws inspiration ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$4,441 / item
H 21.66 in W 22.84 in D 21.66 in
Modern Sistelo Side Table, Oak Root Brass, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Sistelo Side Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sistelo side table draws inspiration from the terraced landscapes of the Vill...
Brass
1980s Limited Edition Black Lacquer and Copper Table by Robert Kuo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition lacquer and repousse' table/ bench by Robert Kuo for Maguire.
Copper
1960s Organic Bench
Located in New York, NY
1960s organic bench. Solid walnut bench with dovetails. Can also be used as a coffee table.
Walnut
$7,199 / item
H 11.82 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Booleanos Square Coffee Table in Black Wood Veneer by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Booleanos collection reflects the concept of involuntary interactions and unexpected intersections. This geometric coffee table designed by Joel Escalona is a visual game that capt...
Plywood
$7,749 / item
H 19.69 in W 55.52 in D 18.51 in
Limited Edition Victoria Bench in Black Velvet & Brass 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 skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The limited edition Victoria bench...
Brass
$6,529 / item
H 13.78 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Bodega Square Coffee Table, in Warm Wood Marquetry Veneer Table by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
BODEGA COFFEE TABLE Bodega Collection refers to cellar art or better known as chiaroscuro, a technique of extreme contrast of light and shadow use...
Plywood
$3,740 / item
H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Contemporary Dornes Side Table, Oak Root, Brass, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Dornes Side Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Dornes side table is a tribute to Portugal’s scenic beauty and historical heri...
Brass
Round Coffee Table by Thonet
By August Thonet, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Round coffee table by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$3,740 / item
H 17.72 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Dornes Side Table, Walnut Root, Brass, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Dornes Side Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Dornes side table is a tribute to Portugal’s scenic beauty and his...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$1,618 / item
H 9.65 in W 24.41 in D 24.41 in
Nube Italia Turn Side Table in Black Lacquered Wood by Carlo Colombo
By Carlo Colombo, Nube Italia
Located in New York, NY
Curved multi-layered wood. Finishing available: mat or polished lacquered or veneered wood zebrano, wengé, beech wood. Carlo Colombo is considered one of the most important Italia...
Wood
Rene Prou Low Bronze Table
By René Prou
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Forties Art Deco low table by Rene Prou in bronze with original white glass top. Measures: 32” wide x 18” deep x 18” high. René Prou (1889-1948) A decorator as well as furniture designer, Rene Prou was born in Nantes and educated in Paris. He studied at the Ecole Bernard-Palissy in Paris and shortly thereafter joined the design house, Gouffé. By 1912 he had become their chief designer and was being called the first decorator of the modern taste (gout moderne). His varied design career included: 1922 oceanliner Paris 1922 – Paris to Deauville train (aka Train Bleu) 1923 – showed at the Salon des Artistes Decorateurs 1924 oceanliner de Grasse 1925 – with Eric Bagge...
Bronze
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Root Cocktail Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Cocktail Table Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ham...
Copper
Sold
H 14.5 in W 37.5 in D 29 in
Contemporary Leaf Design Cocktail Table in Smoke Crystal and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leaf Design Cocktail Table Brass Hand Repoussé Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition NOTE: Smoke Crystal Inclusions and Shape Vary Each piece is individually crafted and is uniq...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 16.25 in W 40 in D 38.5 in
Contemporary Ji Guan Cocktail Table in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Cocktail Table Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammerin...
Copper
Robert Kuo 'Zun' Drumstool #10 Biomorphic Patinated Brass Planter or Table
By Robert Kuo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Robert Kuo 'Zun' Drumstool #10 Biomorphic Patinated Brass Planter or Table #10 of a Limited Edition Palm Beach Estate Fresh This stunning handmade forged Patinated Brass biomorphic...
Brass
Robert Kuo 'Root' Table, 2010
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old world craftsmanship Limited production Lacquered copper.
Copper
Contemporary Black Lacquer Coral Cocktail Table w/ Glass Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coral cocktail table w/ glass top Black lacquer Hand repoussé Glass top Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Glass, Lacquer
Low Scroll Design Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Listing - Lead time will be approx. 30 weeks. Low scroll design table Antique copper Hand repoussé Wood base Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...
Copper
Sold
H 14.5 in W 42 in D 33.5 in
Contemporary Brass Repoussé Leaf Design Cocktail Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leaf design cocktail table Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Brass
Sold
H 17 in W 59 in D 59 in
Contemporary Repousse Brass Low Square Table with Alternate Legs by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low square table with alternate legs Antiqued brass Hand repoussé Contemporary Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet met...
Brass
Drum Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum table Cream 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 ma...
Metal
Drum Table in White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drum Table White Bronze Hand Repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheetmetal. The technique originated around 800 B...
Metal
Robert Kuo Large Square White Enamel Lacquer Coffee Table
By Robert Kuo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ultra modern midcentury influence Californian artist large square white enamel lacquer coffee table. Thick white enamel composite like finish.
Hardwood