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.
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
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
Diva Half Round Table, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diva half round table Cream lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circ...
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
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
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
Deco Design Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Deco design console Brown lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé 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 ...
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
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
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
18th C Style Burton-Ching Regency Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th C Style Burton-Ching Regency Style Marble Top Console Table
Marble
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
$5,000
H 34 in W 66 in D 23 in
George III Style Chinese Chippendale Console or Serving Table by Burton-Ching
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
George III Style Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Console or Serving Table by Burton-Ching
Walnut
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "Architecture Digest...
Lacquer
Our Zar Demi Lune Table
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Our ZAR table is inspired by the proportions and spirit of antique demi lunes. By reducing their design to the essence and using 18th and 19th century wood each table is a unique con...
Walnut
Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Black lacquer console table with straight legs and three drawers
Lacquer
Walnut and Black Lacquer Chin Hua Console Table with Ming Style Legs
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful Ming style console table, supporting a walnut top. Classic elegant silhouette with a touch of flair at the top and at the feet. Sides have a very dark brown lacquer that...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
oblong textured organic brown leather and wood console
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Betsy Console designed by Lara Bohinc for Uniqka balances traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. The bold sculptural and voluminous forms combine intricate leath...
Leather, Wood
$5,600 / item
H 32 in W 43 in D 11 in
Long 'Esquisse' Wrought Iron and Cream Parchment Console by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long 'Esquisse' wrought iron and cream parchment console by Design Frères. Chic handmade natural parchment top paired with a slender blackened wrought...
Wrought Iron
Porto Console, by Rain, Contemporary Console, Laminated Oakwood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Porto collection has simple, rounded lines inspired by the anchorage elements of ports. The feeling of weight and the scale of the anchorages guide the design of the pieces, whic...
Wood, Plywood
$13,202 / item
H 35.44 in W 98.43 in D 15.75 in
Limited Edition, Black Plywood Console with Five Legs by Lucas Tyra Morten
By Lucas Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Bro Console by Lucas Tyra Morten Limited Edition of 11 + 1 AP Signed Dimensions: D40 x W250 x H90 cm Material: Hand-waxed plywood. Objects comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity"...
Plywood
$4,589Sale Price|50% Off
H 29.14 in W 37.8 in D 10.63 in
Organic Modern Accent Console Table in Black Lacquer and Copper
By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
Inspired by the Sacred Ceiba trees in Havana, Joao Faria created the stunning Roots Console Table for contemporary homes. It is handcrafted using carefully selected wood veneers, met...
Metal, Copper
Sold
H 34.25 in W 44.88 in D 16 in
Robert Kuo Baker Furniture Lacquer, Copper Console Table, One-Off, circa 2000
By Robert Kuo, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Miami, FL
Robert Kuo Baker Furniture Lacquer, Copper Console Table, circa 2000 Offered for sale is a rare and important Robert Kuo design for Baker Furniture. This console parson's table is...
Copper
Modern Robert Kuo Copper Faux Bois Console Table
By Robert Kuo
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Robert Kuo Copper Faux Bois console table.
Copper
Sold
H 36 in W 91 in D 15.5 in
Contemporary Brass "O" Console Stands w/ Black Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" console stands w/ black lacquer top Brass Black lacquer Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of ...
Brass
Sold
H 36.75 in W 50 in D 16.25 in
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...
Copper
Altar Table, Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Altar table Grey lacquer Hand repousse Handmade 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
Sold
H 33.25 in W 60 in D 14.5 in
Ching Style Console, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ching style console Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates...
Metal
Four Petal Console Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four petal console Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated ...
Copper