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.
Abstract Wood Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique smoothly carved biomorphic sculpture. The stylized irregularity of the curved form offers a unique viewing experience from every vantage point; it could represent embracing ...
Wood
Arturo Di Modica 'Love is Life' Sculpture
By Arturo Di Modica
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mixed medium sculpture by Italian artist, Arturo Di Modica. This piece titled 'Love is Life' showcases three materials; red marble, stainless steel and bronze, all on a thick polishe...
Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel
Klaus Ihlenfeld Abstract Bronze Sculpture
By Ihlenfeld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze abstract sculpture by German born artist, Klaus Ihlenfeld, c.1990s, USA. Klaus was born in Germany in 1934 and moved to Pennsylvania working as a studio assistant to Harry Be...
Bronze
Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Granite Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze abstract sculpture with applied verdigris patina mounted to a thick granite base. Signed by the artist. Dimensions 8" width x 3.25" depth x 13.5" height. Condition Good vint...
Granite, Bronze
Klaus Ihlenfeld Abstract Brass Sculpture
By Ihlenfeld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass abstract sculpture by German born artist, Klaus Ihlenfeld, c.1990s, USA. Klaus was born in Germany in 1934 and moved to Pennsylvania working as a studio assistant to Harry Ber...
Brass
Bronze Mounted Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture showcases an interlocking narrow bronze sculpture on a Douglas fir base. Dimensions 6.75" width x 3.25" depth x 13.25" height. Cond...
Bronze
Vol.I Contemporary Design Factory, Hand-carved Wooden Object, Limited Edition
By Tellurico
Located in Paris, IDF
The Vol. I Contemporary Design Factory transforms a simple timber monolith into an expressive sculptural object through the language of craftsmanship. Entirely hand-carved from solid...
Wood
Red Large Christmas Tree by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Red large christmas tree by Zieta Dimensions: H 70 x W 70 x D 15 cm. Materials: Red carbon steel. Different sizes (small) and colors available (bl...
Steel
Red Coral Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Authentic Chinese red bamboo coral fossil specimen with its enchanting soft red color and organic form. Presented on a Lucite Stand to enhance the sculpt...
Coral
Aldo Tura Sculpture, Red, Cream, Geometric, Lacquered Goatskin, Signed
By Aldo Tura
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Tura geometric sculpture, lacquered goatskin, red, cream, signed. Small to medium scale two-piece wood table sculpture covered in lacquered goatskin ...
Goatskin
Richard Kozlow Untitled 1996 Abstract Red Bronze Sculpture On Wood Base
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This untitled 1996 work by Richard Kozlow is a cast bronze sculpture finished in a rich red patina, mounted on a dark wood base. Its abstract, textured form blends organic irregulari...
Bronze
Mario Dal Fabbro Sculpture
By Mario Dal Fabbro
Located in Chicago, IL
Mario Dal Fabbro - No. 12 Signed Mario Dal Fabbro, 1981 Multi-disciplinary artist Mario Dal Fabbro was born in Cappella Maggiore, Italy in 1913. He trained in his family's furniture design shop prior to attending both the R. Superior Institute for Decorative and Industrial Arts in Venice as well as Magistero Artistico, graduating with high honors in 1937. From the years of 1938-1948 Dal Fabbro immersed himself in furniture design and academia. Primarily, he designed furniture for both design houses and private clients. Del Fabbro participated in the Triennale de Milano competition in both 1939 and 1947 and won the Ganzatti Contest for 'Standardization of Furniture". During this period he also contributed to the Italian design publications Domus and Stile and the French magazine L'Architecture D'Aujourd'hui. In 1948 Mario Dal Fabbro immigrated to America and began designing furniture for mass production, working for J.G. Furniture in New York and Quakertown, PA. During his years steady employ, he published Modern Furniture: Its Design And Construction in 1949 and contributed regularly to The New York Times and House and Garden. His subsequent publications spanned a little over the decade and included How to Build Modern Furniture (1951), How to Make Built-In Furniture (1955), and How to Make Children's Furniture and Play Equipment...
Silver Leaf
