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.
Helix Side Table, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix side table Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse´ is the traditional ar...
Copper
$541Sale Price|51% Off
H 16.54 in W 29.93 in D 12.6 in
Juliette Belarti Chrome Side Table with Hand-Painted Tiles, 1964
By Juliette Belarti
Located in Den Haag, NL
Lovely side table Design by Juliette Belarti. Belgium 1960. Ten abstract hand painted tiles. Signed Belarti. Black steel rim, on chrome metal legs. A peace of art on your table top. ...
Chrome
$1,020 / item
H 18.31 in Dm 16.54 in
“Triumph Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Triumph Side Table is a sculptural table made of Marquina marble, lacquered aluminum, and brass, thoughtfully assembled to achieve a refined bal...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
$1,020 / item
H 18.31 in Dm 16.54 in
“Triumph Side Table” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Triumph Side Table is a sculptural table made of Carrara marble, lacquered aluminum, and brass, thoughtfully assembled to achieve a refined bala...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Brass
$1,565 / item
H 16.54 in Dm 14.57 in
“Minus Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Minus Side Table is a sculptural piece handcrafted from solid Nero Marquina marble, where structural clarity meets timeless materiality. A circula...
Marble
$1,761Sale Price / item|19% Off
H 18.9 in W 20.08 in D 15.75 in
Organic geometric aged copper leaf Three Rocks high side table by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The original design of the Three Rocks tables was inspired by the Autumnal landscape with fallen leaves in burned tones. These tables are highly customized...
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
$4,917 / item
H 21.66 in Dm 14.97 in
Nicole Side Table Special Edition by Stuart Scott, Walnut & Brass, Handmade, UK
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
This special edition of one of our most celebrated pieces, the Nicole Side Table, is expertly lathe turned from thick sections of solid seasoned timb...
Walnut
$1,700 / item
H 19.69 in Dm 23.63 in
Sculptural Side Table Solid Mango Wood, Hand-Hewn Detailing, Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An elegantly rounded, sculptural side table crafted from a single block of mango wood. This table is elevated by 6 shallow legs that blend with the overall form. Unique to this table...
Wood, Fruitwood
Side Table by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1968
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
A refined side table by Bruno Mathsson, designed in 1968, showcasing his signature balance of lightness and structural clarity. The round tabletop in teak veneer rests on elegantly c...
Birch, Teak
$1,260 / item
H 18.51 in Dm 13 in
“Plus Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Plus Side Table is a minimalist style side table made of treated Marquina marble. This side table is composed of a circular marble top, supported b...
Marble
Axis Side Table by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Axis Side Table by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 60 x Ø 60 cm Materials: Estremoz White Marble, Eco leather Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-de...
Marble
$1,475Sale Price|50% Off
H 24 in W 14 in D 14 in
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