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 Repoussé Lotus Leaf Shape Table Base in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus Leaf Table Base **BASE ONLY** Antiqued Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Brass Cream Lacquer or Black Lacquer Table Top available Each piece i...
Brass
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
$16,825 / item
H 29.53 in W 137.8 in D 55.12 in
Contemporary Biomorphic Sculptural Dining Table In Gold Leaf
By Albino Miranda
Located in New York, NY
This table is a bold and elegant centerpiece. It has a bronzed glass top that stands out and adds a bit of glamour to your dining area. The base, shaped like a sculpture and coated in shiny gold leaf...
Gold Leaf
Ebonized Oak and Antique Brass Large Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel dining table, perfect for seating 6-10 people comfortably. This version has an antique brass frame finish and an ebonized oak tabletop. White oak, walnut, or ma...
Steel
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
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
Midcentury Drop-Leaf Dining Table with Rattan Base
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Danish style Mid-Century Modern drop-leaf dining table featuring an unusual gate leg base that has been covered with split rattan, giving the table an or...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Dining Table by Pier Luigi Colli
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant dining table designed by Pier Luigi Colli with finely carved and painted legs decorated with acanthus leaves. Dark red glass top. The same set ...
Wood
From $5,763 / item
+ 6 moreH 29.53 in W 109.45 in D 35.44 in
Decapo Extendible Table in Black Aniline Base, by Francesco Beghetto
By Francesco Beghetto, Miniforms
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Decapo extendible is shown in the large dining table size with a top in extra-clear satin white or black glass, flamed oak, black ash, Canaletto walnut or in 4 Fenix colors with...
Wood
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 54 in D 84 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table by Mastercraft with Brass Base
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage mid century Mastercraft dining table with glass top. Beautiful detailed Mastercraft base with no damages. Great for any Mid Century home or of...
Brass
Ebonized Table with Cloisonné Top by Robert Kuo for McGuire
By Robert Kuo
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very handsome, well-made accent or side table by Robert Kuo for McGuire Furniture. Although quite simple, contouring adds character and interest to the otherwise simple Par...
Wood
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 69 in D 40.5 in
Style of Angelo Mangiarotti Dining Table Flowing Marble Copper Fluted Base
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A vintage 1980’s marble top dining table with a copper colored iron base in the style of Angelo Mangiarotti. The marble is stunning and the grain seems to flow with movement. The cop...
Marble
Spun Fiberglass Round Cone Shape Base Outdoor Dining Table Woodard
By Russell Woodard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern tussle woodard outdoor large 44" fiberglass dining table. Base only no glass.
Fiberglass
Antiqued Gold Finish Baroque Style Dining Table Base
Located in Sheffield, MA
Glam up your dining experience with this antiqued gold "gilt" toned Baroque Hollywood Regency styled metal and glass dining table. Be it ...
Iron
Sold
H 26.5 in W 35 in D 35 in
5 Side Pillow Shape Dining Table Base in Repoussé Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Side Pillow Shape Dining Table Base *BASE ONLY Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Please inquire about cream lacquer and black lacquer dining top as shown ...
Copper