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 Hand Carved Tall Faceted Raspberry Peking Glass Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Faceted Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Carved Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing du...
Blown Glass
Contemporary Repoussé Antiqued Copper Sitting Rabbit Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit Sculpture (Sitting) Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
Contemporary Repousse Tomato Sculpture in Dark Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tomato sculpture Dark Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the tradition...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Tang Candlestand in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tang candlestand Black copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
Copper
$1,060Sale Price|40% Off
Hand Finished Repousse Copper Pair of vases, by Robert Kuo.
By Robert Kuo
Located in Canterbury, England
A unique pair of large, handmade, hand finished repousse copper vases, by Robert Kuo. Robert Kuo decorative objects are world famous, and exhibit...
Copper
Shallow Lotus Bowl, Small, Black Crystal by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow lotus bowl Black crystal Hand carved Limited Edition Crystal shapes and inclusions vary.
Crystal
Elephant, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elephant sculpture Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated a...
Copper
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Helix Vase by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. This vase needs a liner Lacquer is a technique th...
Lacquer
Hand Repoussé Swirl Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Contemporary
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swirl Vase Black Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Copper
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
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ribbed Jar in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ribbed Jar Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Contemporary Rocco Egg Box in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco design egg box Antique copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Copper
Contemporary Sitting Rabbit Sculpture in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rabbit (Sitting) tabletop sculpture Dark antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. R...
Copper
Contemporary Copper Apple Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple Sculpture Antique Copper Dark Antique Copper Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
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
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 Hand Carved Smoke Crystal Shallow Lotus Bowl by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shallow Lotus Bowl Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Each individual crystal vary in shapes and color please inquire for more information.
Crystal
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 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
Antique Copper Barrel Vase by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel vase Antique copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 80...
Copper
Contemporary Red Lacquer and Copper Cherries Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Red Lacquer Antique Copper Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Hand Made Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Copper
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
Smoke Crystal Ice Sculpture by Rober Kuo, Hand Carved, in Stock
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Smoke crystal ice sculpture Smoke crystal Hand carved In stock.
Crystal
Contemporary Short Facet Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short Facet Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Blown 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...
Blown Glass
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
Pino Vase in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pino vase Antique copper finish Hand repousse Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto shee...
Copper
Contemporary Large Rabbit Sculpture in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Rabbit Sculpture Black Lacquer Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. T...
Copper
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 Cloud Design Box by Robert Kuo, Set of 2
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cloud Design Box (Set of 2) Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Metal Limited Edition Large: 10"L x 8"W x 5 1/2"H Small: 8.5"L x 6"W x 4 1/2"H Each piece is individually crafted and...
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 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
Fluted Goblet Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Hand Repoussé
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fluted Goblet Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-ha...
Copper
Contemporary Sheep Sculpture (Female) in Cream lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep Sculpture (Female) Cream Lacquer Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Sculpture has a lacquered body and exposed copper face and feet which can patina ove...
Copper
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
Ola Vase, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ola vase Antique copper Hand repousse Limited edition Repousse is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated circa 800 ...
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 (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
Zebra Box in Black Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zebra box (Large) Black lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto ...
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 Large Footed Bowl W/ Copper Rim in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large footed bowl w/ Copper Rim Mila Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique t...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Ji Guan Hua Vase in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ji Guan Hua Vase Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
Copper
Contemporary Shang Design Carved Frog Sculpture in Crystal by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shang Design Carved Frog Sculpture Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Crystal Inclusions Vary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Crystal
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 Repoussé Round Jarlet in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Jarlet Black Copper Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decor...
Copper
Contemporary Repoussé White Bronze Pear Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear sculpture White bronze Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Bronze
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
Contemporary Repousse Fan Design Vase in Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fan Design vase Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Contemporary Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hamm...
Copper
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Black lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to be boil...
Copper
Contemporary Ripple Bowl in Red and Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ripple bowl Red Lacquer Black Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet ...
Copper
Full Moon Jar in Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full moon jar Cream lacquer (60 coats) Copper base Hand repousse Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it...
Copper
$12,300 / item
Temple Bell Pot with Copper Band and Black Lacquer
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique copper finish on copper band Hand repousse´ Black lacquer Contemporary Limited Edition Chinese lacquer is a highly regarded art form an...
Copper
Catfish, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Catfish Black Lacquer Hand Repousse Copper Base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at l...
Copper
Rounded Zong Sculpture, Nephrite Jade by Robert Kuo, Hand Carved, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rounded zong sculpture Nephrite jade Hand carved Stainless steel Hand repousse Limited edition Each individual jade vary in shapes and color Known as the “Stone of Heaven,” ...
Jade
Contemporary Repousse Ju Wen Jarlet in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ju Wen Jarlet Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering d...
Copper
Contemporary Black & Cream Lacquer Penguin w/ Head Down Sculpture by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Penguin w/ head down Black lacquer Crean lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional ar...
Copper
Robert Kuo Copper Hammered Willow Vase Retailed by Steve Chase
By Robert Kuo
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Robert Kuo copper hammered willow vase, retailed by Steve Chase for $1580.00 in the 1990s. It bears the Steve Chase inventory label and the retail ...
Contemporary Red Lacquer 4 Petal Pot by Robert Kuo, Hand Repoussé, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 petal pot Red lacquer Hand Repoussé Copper base Contemporary Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces ...
Copper
Rhinoceros Sculpture, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, One of a Kind
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rhinoceros sculpture Antique copper Hand repousse One of a kind Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated ...
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 Hand Carved Cream Lacquer Cloud Box by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Carved Cloud Design Box Cream Lacquer Hand Carved Wood Base Limited Edition Inclusions Vary Unique and one of a kind Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynast...
Wood, Lacquer