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 Window Side Table in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Window Side Table Black Lacquer Hand Made Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Sphere Table w/ Square Top in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sphere table w/ Square Top Black Lacquer Hand repoussé Metal base Limited edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...
Lacquer
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
Contemporary Ji Guan Side Table in Cream Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Side Table w/ Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet me...
Brass
Contemporary Han Bai Yu White Marble "O" Side Table by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Side Table Han Bai Yu (Chinese White Marble) Hand Carved Limited Edition Contemporary Warm white marble side table with natural brown and gray streak inclusions. This side table...
Marble
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
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Pillow Drumstool in White Bronze by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pillow Drumstool White Bronze Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique or...
Bronze
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
Facet Side Table in Brass with Octagon Smoke Crystal Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Side Table Brass Base Hand Repoussé Smoke Crystal Top Hand Carved Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and unique. Smoke crystal top inclusions will vary. Repo...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
Dong Shan Table Red Bean Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan table Red bean lacquer 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 made wit...
Lacquer
$1,917Sale Price|35% Off
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Nuage Side Table in Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nuage side table Brass Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto...
Brass
Hexagonal Drumstool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool 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, ...
Lacquer
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 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
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
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
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
Quilt Square Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Quilt square drumstool Hand repousse Antique copper Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet meta...
Copper
Cascade Design Low Drum Stool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Customizable
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cascade Design low drum stool. Antique copper. Hand repoussé. Limited edition. Customizable. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Copper
E Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
E side table Antique copper Hand repousse Wood base Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Octagonal Side Table with Brass, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Octagonal side table with brass Antique copper Brass Hand repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The te...
Brass, Copper
Contemporary Fish Scale Design Low Drumstool in Brass by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish scale design low drumstool Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The tech...
Brass
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
Lobed Le Verre Table - Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lobed Le Verre table Cream lacquer top Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hamme...
Copper
Contemporary Glacier Side Table in Smoke Crystal and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Glacier Brass Side Table Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Brass Base Limited Edition Contemporary Top: 24"L x 20.75"D x 4 1/4"Thick Base: 21"L x 17"D x 20 1/4"H SMOKE CRYSTAL INCLUSIONS A...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
Contemporary Copper Crescent Side Table w/ Red Lacquer Top by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crescent Side Table w/ Red Top Antiqued Copper Red Lacquer Top Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Shang Scroll Table in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shang Scroll table Dark antique copper finish Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative rel...
Copper
Contemporary Niu Drumstool in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Niu drumstool Mila lacquer Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Hexagonal Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Wood Base Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Lacquer
Contemporary Black Lacquer Faceted Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted 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, cir...
Lacquer
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
Contemporary Fang Bei Drumstool in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fang Bei Drumstool Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These...
Lacquer
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
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 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 Dong Shan Table in Red Lacquer and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dong Shan Table w/ Brass Red Lacquer Top Hand Repoussé Brass Contemporary Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal...
Brass
Toad Skin Block Drumstool, Black Lacquer and Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Toad skin block drumstool Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative reli...
Copper
Contemporary Red Bean Lacquer Low Empire Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Empire drumstool Red Bean Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
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
Barrel Storage Drumstool, Antique Copper and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel storage drumstool Antique copper Black lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ ...
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
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