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.
Robert Kuo Repousse Curve Desk Table in Antique Copper and Black Lacquer
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Repoussé Curve Desk Antique Copper Hand Repousse Black Lacquer Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique ...
Copper
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
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs
Located in Madrid, ES
Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black lacquered metal.
Metal
$4,485 / item
H 30 in W 60 in D 24 in
Stash Desk lacquer & walnut , lacquer drawers, lacquer and wood desk, waterfall
Located in Ridgewood, NY
A Minimalist’s dream, the stash desk is a perfect combination of deep, rich walnut with a pop of color. Its slim and clean profile is ideal for small spaces...
Wood, Lacquer
Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Small Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak top with an ebonized finish and antique copper steel frame dining table with simple and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inherita...
Steel
$1,602
H 9.85 in W 39.38 in D 18.51 in
Briccola-ge Corner Desk and Shelf in solid Oak Wood and black lacquered brackets
By Miki Astori
Located in Milan, Lombardy
“The corner is a piece of home mistreated. A dead end with no way out. In every reality, in every culture, the corner is never dutifully considered”…. So, between the serious and the facetious, Miki Astori explains the project of Briccola-ge, a two- story practical and poetic work plan or small console where to operate in transitory moments. The wall hanging supports are in a mass-colored wooden technical material. The tops are made of solid oak strips with inserts of Briccola Veneziana, the old wooden dolphins...
Oak, Bog Wood
$1,281Sale Price / item|38% Off
H 9.85 in W 39.38 in D 18.51 in
Briccola-ge Corner Desk/Shelf in Solid Oak Wood and Black Lacquered Supports
By Miki Astori
Located in Milan, Lombardy
“The corner is a piece of home mistreated. A dead end with no way out. In every reality, in every culture, the corner is never dutifully considered”…. So, b...
Oak, Bog Wood
$7,051 / item
H 30 in W 59 in D 30 in
Curve Contemporary and Customizable Desk in Walnut Root by Luísa Peixoto
By Luísa Peixoto
Located in PT
Curve desk in walnut root. Bespoke / Customizable Identical shapes with different sizes and finishings. All RAL colors available. (mate / half gloss / gloss).
Walnut
$3,943
H 30.91 in W 54.34 in D 30.52 in
Stunning Black Lacquered Polychrome Painted Writing Table Desk Birds Flowers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely black lacquered hand polychrome painted vintage writing table with birds and flowers A very good looking and decorative piece, made...
Wood
Black Lacquer English Antique Campaign Style Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Lacquer English Antique Campaign Style Desk. Believe this to be from the 19th Century. Please contact for additional photos and condition report.
Wood
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
By Sligh Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Restored, consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls. Inlaid leather top with elegant embossed gold design and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Brass
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Black Lacquered and Brass Desk
By Mastercraft, John Widdicomb
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic writing table or desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft. Composed of a large black lacquered wood top with canted corners that sits atop a brass frame. Brass legs swoop ...
Brass
French Art Deco Black Lacquered Executive Table Desk, 1930s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stunning French desk from the 1930s with an elegant design characterized by linear and symmetrical shapes typical of Art Deco. The stepped top is a beautiful example of this style, a...
Brass