Robert Kuo Repoussé 24" Hammered Copper Sphere, 1980s

Item Details

Robert Lu-En Kuo (Chinese, 20th/21st century)
Untitled (copper sphere), late 20th century
Hammered copper sphere on base
– includes copies of original purchase materials and artist information

Robert Kuo’s story bridges the gap between ancient Chinese artistic traditions and 21st-century tastes. Born in Beijing, his family moved to Taiwan before the 1950s. A former art professor and watercolor painter, Kuo’s father opened a cloisonné atelier where he became an apprentice at age 15. Kuo gained artistry techniques and knowledge about decorative traditions from hands-on training and quickly mastered the complexities and intricacies of artistry that would serve him throughout his career.

Kuo’s visit to the States in the ‘70s made an inviting impression for his return to open his own cloisonné studio in Beverly Hills. Designing with inspirations from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period, Kuo introduced shapes, finishes, and objects never seen in the cloisonné repertoire. Kuo successfully cultivated a clientele who appreciated the way he made Chinese traditional art accessible. The Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery in Washington D.C. took notice of Kuo’s masterful work and acquired his cloisonné Goldfish Bowl ‘with lively naturalism’ for their collection.

By 1985, Kuo shifted his focus from working in cloisonné to repoussé the art of hammering decorative relief onto metal. Instead of applying enamel to a copper base, he began to experiment with applying different finishes to the hammered base. Kuo looked to China for artisans experienced in ancient techniques and trained craftsmen to adapt their skills to render his repoussé forms and objects. Inspired by his passion for collecting Chinese antiquities, he then began to search for artisans skilled in the techniques of lacquer and Peking glass. He worked with these artisans to interpret his unique designs; making these disappearing crafts relevant and contemporary.

Referred to as the Imperial craftsman of the 21st Century, Kuo’s clients patiently wait for his new designs and to see what has inspired him at the moment.

Condition

- surface wear and minor/ intentional indenting throughout; light patina and verdigris.

Dimensions

• Please note, this is an item that may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance, vehicle, proper materials, and any necessary tools to pickup. International shipping may be restricted.

• Please note, if the warehouse transfer to Cincinnati option is selected by the winning bidder, the item will be available in Cincinnati for pickup after three business days after payment has been finalized.

Item #

ITMGK81082