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Robert Kuo Furniture

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.

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Creator: Robert Kuo
Search Within: Enamel
Low Cabinet with Amber Shargreen Cloisonné Panel by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low cabinet with Amber Shargreen panels Amber cloisonné Elmwood Brass panel lining handmade Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonné technique is an en...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Charger - Black Woodgrain Design Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charger Woodgrain design Black Cloisonné Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Baluster Floor Lamp, Moss/Webb Design Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster floor lamp Moss/Webb design Cloisonné Handmade Silk shade Limited edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique ...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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  
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Contemporary Tear Drop Verde Grass Design Cloisonné Vase by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tear Drop Vase Verde Grass Design Glass Enamel Cloisonné Limited Edition Contemporary The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the Byzantine Emp...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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...
Category

2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Baluster Jar and Lid in Azure Colors by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster jar and lid Cloisonne Azure enamel Hand repousse Copper base The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates bac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Tall Block Web Table Lamp in Fig Color by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Block Web Table Lamp with Shade Fig Color Cloisonne (Enamel) Hand Repousse Natural Silk Shade Limited Edition The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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...
Category

2010s Art Deco Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Contemporary Cloisonné Baluster Lamp in Moss by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Lamp Cloisonne Moss Glass Enamel Cloisonné Metal Contemporary The cloisonné technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates b...
Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Copper, Enamel

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Previously Available Items
Robert Kuo Large Square White Enamel Lacquer Coffee Table
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1970s Robert Kuo Brown Floral Enameled Chinese Cloisonne Bud Vase Stand
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"Vintage 1970s to early 1980s cloisonne vase by Robert Kuo. Features a predominantly brown, green and blue floral design and a snugly fitting wooden base. Marked in gold on the base.“Robert Kuo's own story presents a life that partakes of the best of Chinese and 20th century traditions. Born in Beijing, he moved with his family to Taiwan in 1947. Kuo grew up in an artistic environment. His father, an art professor and Chinese watercolor painter, started a cloisonne atelier where Robert became an apprentice at age fifteen. Although he never engaged in formal art studies, Kuo gained technical expertise and learned about decorative tradition from ""hands on"" training. As he mastered each of the steps involved in cloisonne from preparing copper bases to enameling and firing the kilns, Kuo absorbed all the basics that were to serve him throughout his artistic career. Measure: 9". While pursuing his studies in Taipei, Kuo assisted his father in the creation of a cloisonne studio. A visit to the United States persuaded the young artist/entrepreneur that the American environment would benefit him, both personally and professionally. In 1973, he immigrated to the United States and opened a studio for cloisonne in Beverly Hills. Kuo cultivated a clientele that appreciated the way he ""opened up"" Chinese tradition. Utilizing the influences of Art Noueau...
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1970s Chinoiserie Vintage Robert Kuo Furniture

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Robert Kuo Signed Monumental Cream Lacquer and Copper Liao Floor Vase, ca 2005
By Robert Kuo
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Robert Kuo Monumental Limited Edition Cream Lacquer and Copper Liao Floor Vase, ca 2005. This is a beautiful and elegant floor vase that's sure to make a strong presence in any room, whether of a traditional, modern or contemporary design. Quality is the calling card of all Robert Kuo designs and meticulous attention to detail is seen throughout this piece. This is an heirloom quality piece for those with discriminating taste. Robert Kuo's own story presents a life that partakes of the best of Chinese and 20th century traditions. Born in Beijing, he moved with his family to Taiwan in 1947. Kuo grew up in an artistic environment. His father, an art professor and Chinese watercolor painter, started a cloisonne atelier where Robert became an apprentice at age fifteen. Although he never engaged in formal art studies, Kuo gained technical expertise and learned about decorative tradition from "hands on" training. As he mastered each of the steps involved in cloisonne from preparing copper bases to enameling and firing the kilns, Kuo absorbed all the basics that were to serve him throughout his artistic career. While pursuing his studies in Taipei, Kuo assisted his father in the creation of a cloisonne studio. A visit to the United States persuaded the young artist/entrepreneur that the American environment would benefit him, both personally and professionally. In 1973, he immigrated to the United States and opened a studio for cloisonne in Beverly Hills. Kuo cultivated a clientele that appreciated the way he "opened up" Chinese tradition. Utilizing the influences of Art Noueau and Art Deco, Kuo introduced new shapes, finishes, and objects to cloisonne It was during this time that the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery acquired his "Goldfish Bowl", with its lively naturalism. In 1984, he erected the airy, contemporary building that is still home to Robert Kuo. Located directly across from the Pacific Design Center at Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard, the Kuo Gallery quickly became a favorite stop for designers seeking distinctive decorative objects for their clientele. By 1985, Kuo shifted his focus from working in cloisonne to repousse, the art of hammering decorative relief onto metal. Instead of applying enamel to a copper base, the artist began to experiment with applying different finishes to the hammered base. Kuo looked to China for artisans experienced in ancient techniques. He trained craftsmen to adapt their skills to repousse forms and objects. Today, he spends 4-6 months of the year in China to create new pieces, which are then finished in Los Angeles. Robert Kuo offers a wide variety of decorative objects, from small tabletop pieces to furniture and large landscaping elements. The work can be seen around the world, from the National History Museum in Taipei to exclusive hotels like the Singapore Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco's Hotel Palomar, Las Vegas MGM Grand Villas and New York Four Seasons. He is inspired by organic forms found in nature, as well as the timeless "motifs" of the Chinese Han and Ming dynasties - often combining them with Deco and Nouveau influences. Sophisticated design showrooms in the U.S. and Europe such as McGuire and Baker Furniture represent Robert Kuo accessories and lighting, while Gump in San Francisco sells special pieces and holds Kuo exhibitions twice a year. While most of his recent work has been in repousse, he has designed a new collection of cloisonne lighting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Copper, Metal

Snuff Vase, Shan Design, Amber by Robert Kuo, Cloisonné, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snuff vase Shan design Amber Cloisonné Vase Handmade enamel Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloisonne´ technique is an enameling on me...
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2010s Robert Kuo Furniture

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Enamel

Robert Kuo Modern Cloisonne Lidded Baluster Jar
By Robert Kuo
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern cloisonne baluster jar with lid designed by Robert Kuo in an Art Deco Revival style. The piece is signed on the bottom and is in great condition.
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Early 2000s Modern Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Buche Amber Woodgrain Design Cloisonné Table Lamp
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodgrain design. Buche amber. Cloisonné.  24-karat gold plate wire cells and trim. Silk shade. Base dimensions: 6"diameter x 33.5" H. Overall dimensions with shade: 15.25" ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Robert Kuo Furniture

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Copper, Enamel, Gold Plate

Robert Kuo Oversized Copper Repoussé Apple, ca 2000s
By Robert Kuo
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Robert Kuo Oversized Copper Repoussé Apple, ca 2000s This is a large and beautiful decorative copper apple that is sure to command attention in any area. Robert Kuo designs are the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Copper

Robert Kuo Signed Faceted Imperial Yellow Peking Glass Vase and Ball, ca 2000s
By Robert Kuo
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Robert Kuo Faceted Imperial Yellow Peking Glass Vase and Ball, ca 2000s This is a beautiful vase and ball executed by Robert Kuo around 2005. Both the vase and ball are signed by t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Robert Kuo Furniture

Materials

Glass

Robert Kuo furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 5 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 351 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Robert Kuo were created in the modern style in asia during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by VG-VGnewtrend, Sebastian Scherer, and Sebastian Herkner. Prices for Robert Kuo furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $175 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.