PRESS RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO (June 2007) McGuire has introduced a most exceptional addition to their current lighting offering: chandeliers and sconce by Robert Kuo. These dramatic jewel-like forms reflect Kuo's passion for the dramatic paired with exquisite artistry, McGuire's superb craftsmanship and the world's finest materials. Each piece is signed by the artist as it is completed.

Robert Kuo is best known as an artist and creator of exquisite 'objets' impeccably executed using methods and techniques that date back many centuries. His respect for and knowledge of traditional craft methods, techniques and materials enable him to bring both aesthetic and technical innovation to his work.

The extension of this lighting collection is the result of an ongoing collaboration between artist and manufacturer that began in the spring of 2001. In keeping with McGuire's mission to create functional art of lasting value, the artist created lighting designs in repoussý and cloisonný. The designs, introduced to wide acclaim, are now among the company's most celebrated items. To round out the current lighting collection, and to celebrate some of the most renowned materials, the chandelier designs center on bold lines, dramatic silhouettes and unmistakable forms created by exquisite artistry and ancient techniques. All four pieces are hand crafted of antique copper using the repoussý technique, and feature hand carved rock crystal that catches and distills the light from above.

"In visiting one of Robert's workshops outside of Beijing, I developed a true appreciation for the time invested by artisans in the creation of these stunning forms. It is not uncommon for these artisans to spend weeks chasing Robert's distinctive high-relief designs into flat panels of copper," says Jason Phillips - President, McGuire. "Likewise, it is not uncommon for them to have completed a rigorous five-year apprenticeship before mastering their craft to a level at which they can execute Robert's uncompromising designs."

Robert Kuo has made an art form of interpreting centuries old artistry techniques into contemporary designs, and these pieces are no exception. The 6-Arm 'Cuff' Chandelier is perhaps one of the most dramatic pieces of the collection. Inspired by a Song Dynasty bronze cuff and fashioned from copper, the six 'arms' span over five feet in diameter. Natural linen shades delicately contrast the smooth presence of the antiqued copper post and arms, resulting in a dramatic simplicity of functional art. The strong articulation of clean lines, refined materials and technical originality are qualities for which Robert Kuo is world renowned.

By marrying time-honored techniques and ornamental craft with a pure silhouette, the Rectangular Carved Ice Chandelier was born. Inspired by the Carved Ice lamp, an impressively scaled 65" x 36" Pongee Silk shade lightly envelopes the copper form as light cascades off the many facets of 10 hand carved crystal blocks. The chandelier is supported by pleated copper repoussý base, a traditional technique of hand-hammering decorative relief into sheet metal that dates back to 800 B.C. The chandelier grandly showcases the complexity of the repoussý technique with the artistry of mixed materials and simplicity of scale.

The Round Carved Ice Chandelier is graceful and elegant in its lines, form and scale. Symmetrical and dramatic, at 42" in diameter, it is suitable for many hospitality and residential spaces. Mirroring the materials of the Rectangular Carved Ice Chandelier, a telescoped rod connects to a pleated copper repoussý frame, grounding 6 hand carved rock crystal blocks and a canopy of a single round silk pongee shade.

The Carved Ice Sconce is a beautifully refined execution of Kuo's signature materials: the copper repoussý back plate is highlighted by the carved rock crystal that sits on a copper base and glows with the warmth of the bulb and squared natural linen shade.

Together, designer and manufacturer present an unforgettable collection of work that compliments the previous partnerships in furniture and lighting. Each hand-crafted piece is a work of individual beauty, to be appreciated for its artistic merit, as well as for the distinction it brings to any room. Each chandelier can be custom made to fit the specifications of a project.

The pieces will be sold through McGuire's flagship showrooms in New York and San Francisco, through Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and select independent showrooms nationwide, and to consumers through Baker stores. For more information on McGuire, visit www.mcguirefurniture.com or call 1(800) 662-4847.