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Robert Kuo Chairs

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
Contemporary Robert Kuo Repoussé Huang Chair in Antique Copper, Limited Edition
Contemporary Robert Kuo Repoussé Huang Chair in Antique Copper, Limited Edition

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...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

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...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Copper Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo

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...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Contemporary Bark Design Vanity Chair with Wood Seat in Copper by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Bark Design Vanity Chair with Wood Seat in Copper by Robert Kuo

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...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye Black Lacquer Antique Copper Limited Edition Hand Repousse Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Stainless Steel Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Stainless Steel Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Stainless Steel Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cloud Chair Stainless Steel Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Accent Chair Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary Hand Repoussé "H" Chair in Black Copper Finish by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Hand Repoussé "H" Chair in Black Copper Finish by Robert Kuo

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...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Arm Rest Chair in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Arm Rest Chair Grey Lacquer Hand Repousse Hand Made Metal Base 37"W x 26"D x 24 3/4"H Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze "H" Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze "H" Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Hand Repoussé White Bronze "H" Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

H Chair White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relie...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Black Lacquer Vanity Seat by Robert Kuo, Hand Made, Limited Edition
Contemporary Black Lacquer Vanity Seat by Robert Kuo, Hand Made, Limited Edition

Contemporary Black Lacquer Vanity Seat by Robert Kuo, Hand Made, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vanity Seat Black Lacquer Wood Vase Hand Made Contemporary Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Huang Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Huang Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Huang Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Huang chair Cream lacquer Hand repousse 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 coat...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Arm Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
Arm Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

Arm Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Arm rest chair Black lacquer Handmade Metal base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. T...

Category

2010s Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Brass and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Brass and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Brass and Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Facet Lounge Chair w/ Cream Lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Cream Lacquer Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammeri...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo
Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo

Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Facet Lounge Chair White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around ...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

Chair, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Chair Cream 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...

Category

2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

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Previously Available Items
Contemporary Antique Copper Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Contemporary Antique Copper Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

Contemporary Antique Copper Cloud Chair by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cloud 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...

Category

2010s Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Copper

Robert Kuo Vanity Seat in Mila Lacquer, Contemporary, Limited Edition
Robert Kuo Vanity Seat in Mila Lacquer, Contemporary, Limited Edition

Robert Kuo Vanity Seat in Mila Lacquer, Contemporary, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vanity Seat Mila Lacquer 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 with ...

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2010s Minimalist Robert Kuo Chairs

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Lacquer

Back Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition
Back Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

Back Rest Chair, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Backrest chair Grey lacquer Hand repousse Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. The pieces are made with at least 60...

Category

2010s Post-Modern Robert Kuo Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Robert Kuo chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Kuo chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of lacquer and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Kuo chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Robert Kuo were created in the modern style in east asia during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz , Rossana Orlandi, and Phloem Studio. Prices for Robert Kuo chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $16,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,000.