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 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 Robert Kuo Repoussé Huang Chair in Antique Copper, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Huang Chair Antique Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto s...
Copper
Contemporary Bark Design Vanity Chair with Wood Seat in Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bark Design Vanity Chair w/ Wood Seat Antiqued Copper Hand Repoussé Copper Wood Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ont...
Copper
Contemporary Hand Repoussé "H" Chair in Black Copper Finish by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
H Chair Black Copper Finish Hand Repoussé Copper Base Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The techniqu...
Copper
Indented Seat, Cream Lacquer and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indented seat Cream lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This technique involve...
Copper
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
Louise Club Chair in Copper Over Teak wood by Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furniture. The characteristic cabriole leg, curving outward at the knee and inward towards the foot in an "S" shape was born during this period. It is during the same era that English furniture makers produced the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles. The curved legs and side arms of this exceptionally elegant chair are hand carved from solid pieces of teak. Pattern makers trace and cut complex forms that will cover the chair in a skin of copper or purest silver (assayed at 96% purity, beyond sterling at 92.5%). The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal polishes can be used to restore the original luster. Louise Club Chair...
Copper
Louise Club Chair in Copper over Teak Wood by Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furniture. The characteristic cabriole leg, curving outward at the knee and inward towards the foot in an "S" shape was born during this period. It is during the same era that English furniture makers produced the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles. The curved legs and side arms of this exceptionally elegant chair are hand carved from solid pieces of teak. Pattern makers trace and cut complex forms that will cover the chair in a skin of copper or purest silver (assayed at 96% purity, beyond sterling at 92.5%). The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal polishes can be used to restore the original luster. Louise club chair...
Copper
Louise Club Chair in Copper Over Teak wood by Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furniture. The characteristic cabriole leg, curving outward at the knee and inward towards the foot in an "S" shape was born during this period. It is during the same era that English furniture makers produced the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles. The curved legs and side arms of this exceptionally elegant chair are hand carved from solid pieces of teak. Pattern makers trace and cut complex forms that will cover the chair in a skin of copper or purest silver (assayed at 96% purity, beyond sterling at 92.5%). The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal polishes can be used to restore the original luster. Louise Club Chair...
Copper
Louise Club Chair in Copper Over Teak wood by Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furniture. The characteristic cabriole leg, curving outward at the knee and inward towards the foot in an "S" shape was born during this period. It is during the same era that English furniture makers produced the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles. The curved legs and side arms of this exceptionally elegant chair are hand carved from solid pieces of teak. Pattern makers trace and cut complex forms that will cover the chair in a skin of copper or purest silver (assayed at 96% purity, beyond sterling at 92.5%). The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal polishes can be used to restore the original luster. Louise Club Chair...
Copper
Art Deco Accent Chair in Smooth Copper by Paul Mathieu for S. Odegard
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Art Deco Chairs, a stunning Art Deco Chairs set designed by the renowned Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard. This elegant Art Deco Chair duo boasts a unique curved p...
Metal, Copper, Sheet Metal
Collectible Med. Hammered Copper Club Chair – Cabriole Leg, Sculptural, Handmade
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Medium Hammered Copper covers the armchair form entirely in metal. Back panel, seat, arm rests, apron, and four cabriole legs are all clad in Medium Hammered...
Copper, Sheet Metal
