PORTLAND, Ore. (April 11, 2008) – At the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago, ANN SACKS, premier manufacturer and distributor of luxury tile, stone and plumbing products, introduced Robert Kuo Carved Stone, the company’s latest stone innovation that merges ancient tradition with beautiful design. Han Bai Yu (Chinese white marble) and Qing Shi (Chinese black marble) are fine marbles suitable for carved designs and found in the Hebei Province of Northern China. ANN SACKS is proud to offer this prized material in the form of hand-carved marble designed by Robert Kuo.

Stone carvers use a chisel and hammer to carve the intricate designs and then finish by using abrasive grinding tools in the traditional jade carving technique. Craftsmen originally used this method to carve pieces for Buddhist temples. A variety of patterns incorporate traditional Chinese motifs alongside design elements of Western European Art Deco.

Available designs include: Kuai (literally translated as “pieces”), a dramatic geometric pattern; Hua (“bunches of flowers”); and, Shan (“mountains”), a motif popular in Chinese calligraphy paintings and believed by Chinese scholars to bring a sense of harmony and kindness of heart.   “Robert Kuo is famous for the masterful and artistic way that he has of merging ancient Chinese techniques and sources of inspiration with modern influences,” said John Hart, chief merchandising officer, ANN SACKS and Kallista. “His new carved marble tile for ANN SACKS is genuinely unlike anything else and is sure to have a profound impact on any environment in which it is installed.” 

All of the Robert Kuo Carved Stone designs are available in either Han Bai Yu or Qing Shi and custom sizes are encouraged.

Founded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company is a division of the Kohler Co. Interiors Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., that includes Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores, Kallista plumbing and McGuire Furniture Company.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.