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 the artistry techniques and knowledge about decorative traditions from hands on training, and quickly mastered the complexities and intricacies of the artistry that would serve him though out 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.

In addition to his Showrooms in West Hollywood, Calif., and New York City, Kuo's work can be seen around the world, from National History Museum in Taipei to exclusive hotels such as the Singapore Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Grand Hyatt, Las Vegas' MGM Grand Villas, Beijing Ritz Carlton, and New York's Four Seasons. In San Francisco, a gallery floor at Gump's is dedicated to selling special pieces designed by Kuo and annually holds a Kuo exhibition.

He has also been featured in the world's leading lifestyle, design and architecture magazines. Kuo's business partnerships include collections with Kohler Interiors Group, McGuire Furniture, Baker Furniture, Ann Sacks Stone and Tile, and S. Harris.

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