Robert Kuo Helix
21st Century and Contemporary Floor Lamps
Copper
2010s Vases
Lacquer
2010s Sofa Tables
Copper
Recent Sales
1990s American Modern Floor Lamps
Copper
2010s Post-Modern Side Tables
Lacquer
People Also Browsed
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Turkish Modern Floor Lamps
Linen, Ash
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Ceramic
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables
Aluminum
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Mohair, Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Textile, Pine
2010s American Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Brass, Steel
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Abstract Sculptures
Brass
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Metal, Enamel
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Robert Kuo for sale on 1stDibs
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.