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.
Cream Lacquer Square Seat w/ Woodgrain Design by Robert Kuo, Set of 2
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square Seat w/ Woodgrain Design (Set of 2) Cream Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the...
Copper
Green Apple Lacquer Sculpture w/ Copper Stem by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Green Lacquer Antique Copper Stem Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Can be placed outdoors but copper stem would patina over time. Repoussé is the traditional art of han...
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
Stone Raised Corner Lamp with Shade in Han Bai Yu by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stone raised corner lamp with shade Han Bai Yu Hand carved Copper base Hand repousse Limited edition.
Stone
Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chair 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 dynasty, circ...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Design Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Buffet 4 Doors Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Lacquered Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a laborious and time...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Red Lacquer San Hu Mirror by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
San Hu Mirror Red Lacquer Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made w...
Metal
Contemporary Cloisonné Conical Table Lamp in Azure Design by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conical table lamp Azure design Turquoise and blue Cloisonné Hand made Silk shade Limited edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique...
Enamel
Contemporary Repoussé Brass Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Repoussé Chair Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé All Copper Chair with Patina Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional...
Copper
Contemporary Hua Design Low Cloisonné Drumstool in Moss by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Cloisonné Drumstool Moss Hua Design Cloisonné Enamel Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that d...
Copper, Enamel
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Feather Design 4 Door Buffet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feather Design 4 Door Buffet Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Elm Wood Lacquered 3 Drawers 2 Shelves (Removable) Touch Latch Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is un...
Copper
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Chair Antique Copper Wood Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Gua Cachepot by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gua Cachepot Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Copper Finish Varies Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering dec...
Copper
Repoussé Black Lacquer Sheep Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep sculpture (Male) Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This techniqu...
Copper
Contemporary Small Penguin in Black and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Penguin (Small) Black Lacquer Cream Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper beak and feet which can patina...
Copper
Ola Design Planter with Liner, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola design planter with removable liner Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The t...
Copper
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Male) in Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep Sculpture (Male) Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....
Copper
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
Cream Lacquer Entry Table Top by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 of organic lacquer. Each layer of lacquer is applied with a curing period of 24 hours in between so that it can dry. Table top only...
Wood, Lacquer
Contemporary Repoussé Zong Drumstool in White Bronze and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Drumstool White Bronze Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition White Bronze Top and Bottom Brass Center Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sh...
Brass, Bronze
Apple Sculpture, White Bronze by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple white bronze hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto she...
Bronze
Contemporary Black Lacquer Baluster Vase with White Bronze Stripes by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Vase w/ White Bronze Stripes Black Lacquer White Bronze Stripes Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a ...
Bronze
Robert Kuo Rock Crystal Table Lamp
By Robert Kuo
Located in Houston, TX
Signed Robert Kuo carved rock crystal table lamp with a gold-plated bronze base and ivory shade.
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Contemporary Repoussé Hexagonal Table in Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal Table Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative r...
Copper
Pillow Floor Lamp, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pillow floor lamp Black lacquer Hand repousse Silk shade (26" diameter) Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates ba...
Lacquer
Contemporary Hoof Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hoof vase Raspberry peking glass finish Hand blown glass Hand carved Contemporary Limited Edition. Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary Rocco Small Short Cabinet in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco Small Short Cabinet Cream Lacquer Elm wood Hand Carved Doors Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer need...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Low Round Table - Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Round Table Cream 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 ...
Lacquer
Repoussé Brass Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto she...
Brass
Contemporary Apple w/ Worm Sculpture in Antique Copper and Brass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple with worm sculpture Antique copper Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Brass, 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 Isola Design Copper Repousse Door Narrow Cabinet by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Isola Design Narrow Cabinet Antique Copper Doors Hand Repoussé Elm Wood 4 Shelves Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique....
Copper
Baluster Jar & Lid, Fish Scale Design by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Cloisonné
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Jar & Lid Fish Scale Design Cloisonne Amber, Brown, and Black Hand Made Limited Edition
Enamel
Banana Leaf, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Banana leaf Antique copper Hand repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé Large Tree Trunk Pot in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large tree trunk design pot Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the t...
Copper
Contemporary "O" Floor Lamp in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"O" Floor Lamp Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Steel Base Limited Edition Contemporary Natural Silk Shade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that ...
Lacquer
Scholar Rock Lamp, Smoke Crystal by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scholar rock lamp Smoke crystal Hand carved Silk shade Lamp shade dimensions: 14" L x 14" D x 11 1/2" H Each piece is individually crafted and...
Crystal
Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tessa bench Antiqued copper Hand repousse Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Copper
High Tang Vase, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High tang design vase with white bronze rim Black lacquer Hand repousse Bronze base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dat...
Bronze
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Female) in Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep (Female) Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper face and feet which can patina over time. R...
Copper
Pebble Lamp, Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pebble lamp Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Silk shade Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The techniqu...
Copper
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
Contemporary Silver Plated Rocco Cube Table Lamp by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco cube table lamp Silver plated Copper base Hand repoussé Limited edition Natural linen shade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditiona...
Silver Plate, Copper
Cintura Nesting Tables (Set of 2) in Brass and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cintura Nesting Tables with Copper (Set of 2) Brass Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass, Copper
Contemporary Tear Drop Cloisonné Vase in Verde Grass Design by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase (Short) Verde Color Grass Design Cloisonné Glass Enamel Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal t...
Copper, Enamel
Contemporary Hand Carved Crystal Bi Sculpture w/ Steel Stand by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bi Sculpture on steel stand (medium) Crystal Hand carved Steel Contemporary sculpture Limited edition Crystal shapes and inclusions vary.
Crystal
Corner Nesting Table, Red Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Set of 2, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting table Red lacquer Wood base Limited edition Inner table: 25 1/2" W x 16" D x 20" D x 21" H Inner table: 34" W x 22" D x 26" D x 24...
Lacquer
Contemporary Brass and Lacquer Root Bench by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Design bench bases with lacquer top Brass Hand Repoussé Black or Cream Lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the t...
Brass
Contemporary Carved Hua Design Table Lamp in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Hua design table lamp Black lacquer Hand carved Metal base Hand repoussé Limited edition Natural linen shade Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
Metal
Contemporary Ten Facet Peking Glass Vase in Red Bean by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ten Facet Vase Red Bean Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in B...
Glass, Blown Glass
Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity seat. Grey lacquer. Handmade. Wood base. 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 of org...
Lacquer
Contemporary Falls Crystal w/ Brass Base Light by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Falls crystal with brass base light Crystal Hand carved Brass base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal, Brass
Coronet Lamp, Tang Grass Design, Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coronet lamp Tang grass design Cloisonné Glass enamel Handmade Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enamelling on metal technique that d...
Enamel
Contemporary Cloud Armoire in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Armoire Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Elm Wood Contemporary Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to be boile...
Wood, Elm, 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 Black Lacquer Banana Leaf Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Banana Leaf Sculpture/ Tray Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Copper
Contemporary Rabbit Sculpture in Brass by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Sculpture Brass Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative rel...
Brass
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Grape Sprig Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grape Sprig Sculpture Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorat...
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