PRESS RELEASE

McGuire has expanded its collection of repoussý lamps by renowned artist Robert Kuo with six new creations that add to the company's repertoire of chic, sophisticated lighting. In keeping with its reputation for refined taste and timeless classics, McGuire continues to handcraft exquisite new designs in lighting.

Since McGuire's initial entrýe into the lighting market in 1997, its growing collection of contemporary table and floor lamps centers on centuries-old techniques of artistry interpreted by Kuo. His latest designs add to McGuire's stunning group of handcrafted, copper repoussý lighting.

Repoussý ? a hammering technique, also known as chasing ? is used to create decorative relief in metal. Each of the new creations is a sublime example of this craft. The designs range from intricate patterns to subtle figuration. These effects are created by engraving or embossing copper using a chasing chisel, a chisel with a rounded rather than sharp edge, or a chasing hammer, a hammer with a rounded head. This technique, often used to create high-end jewelry, results in the wide range of textures.

Internationally recognized artist Kuo has brought the ancient crafts of repoussý and cloisonný new prominence and style. The Los Angeles-based artist is recognized worldwide for transforming centuries-old techniques into fresh, new and contemporary works of art. As the designer of McGuire's extensive lighting collection, Kuo merges traditional technique with contemporary forms to create pieces appreciated for both their functional beauty and as collectable decorative art.

Known for myriad finish options to complement the company's celebrated furniture designs, McGuire offers its repoussý lamps in four distinct finish options: a warm antique copper; a dramatic black copper; a sophisticated silver plate; or a brilliant 24-karet-gold plate. Each style is paired with either a natural ivory linen shade or a black lacquered parchment shade especially designed to balance the various lamp forms. As a finishing touch, each lamp is surmounted by a distinct repoussý finial that takes its lead from the shape and pattern of the base.

As its name suggests, the Fluted Urn features a dramatically fluted body. A centering sphere is supported by a tapered base and gives rise to an inverted tapered neck. Gradations of light are captured and then reflected in the irregular hammering of the copper repoussý base, while the fluting allows light to cascade over each level. This effect is further enhanced by choosing the brilliant silver or gold plate finish. A drum shade in natural ivory linen or black lacquered parchment offers a pleasing complement to the base. The Fluted Urn is a double-cluster lamp.

An incredible example of the repoussý craft, the Basket lamp displays an intricate, woven pattern that captures the familiar texture in copper. Reminiscent of McGuire's many woven furniture designs, the lamp is a study in the free-hand repoussý hammering technique. The generous base tapers from a round basket neck to a hexagonal base featuring a herringbone pattern. The Basket design, a single lamp with three-way switch, is paired with a simple flared shade in natural ivory linen or black lacquered parchment.

The pleasing form of the Pillow lamp allows handcrafted copper to take on a special softness. For inspiration, Kuo has drawn from the classic Chinese pillow turned on its side. The wide, smooth, concave sides capture and then reflect light in the irregular yet subtle hammering of the copper repoussý base. This distinctive lamp is paired with a rounded rectangular shade in ivory linen or black lacquered parchment. The Pillow design has a single lamp with three-way switch.

An inspired form and appropriate scale allow the Helix design to serve as either a table or floor lamp. Both designs feature its distinct, square base with sharply concave sides that twist to form the neck. The subtle texture of the hammered repoussý takes on a decidedly organic look when executed in a warm antique or black copper finish. Both the Helix floor and table lamps are paired with a dramatic squared, tapered shade in ivory linen or black lacquered parchment. The Helix table design has a single lamp with three-way switch, while the Helix floor design is a double-cluster lamp.

Finally, the Fluted Bulb floor lamp recalls a classic form from the Han Dynasty. Based on the garlic bulb in Chinese bronze work, the familiar form is turned upside down to create the base for this striking floor lamp. Deeply carved veins of the bulb swirl around the base and rise to create a natural fluting effect along the tall, tapered neck. The Fluted Bulb, a double-lamped design, is paired with an elegant drum shade in ivory linen or black lacquered parchment.

All McGuire lighting introductions are Universal Laboratories (UL) approved. Ranging from sleek and architectural to decidedly natural and organic, these latest lamps by Robert Kuo for McGuire capture the essence of repoussý. Recognized for the past half century as a premier furniture manufacturer, McGuire's collection of classic yet unmistakably contemporary lamps remains befitting of the company's reputation.

"From the integrity of the materials to the craftsmanship required to create each piece, these lamps offer designers beautiful lighting options that add artistry to any room and live up to McGuire's high standards," said Sarah Garcia, president of McGuire.

The McGuire lamp collection is available at the McGuire showroom in San Francisco, at select Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores, and other fine whole showrooms nationwide.

McGuire Furniture Company, along with Ann Sacks and Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., which includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores, is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.