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Since 1999 Sam Kaufman's eye for objects with beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance has made his Los Angeles gallery feel like a small museum—curated by an eccentric man described by Dwell magazine as “the walking encyclopedia”. Spanning decades, nations, and multiple fields of collecting, the eclectic mix shares one thing in common: the irrepressible enthusiasm of Sam Kaufman. With curiosity, knowledge, and a taste for the whimsical, Sam has traveled the world collecting expressive, compelling, and unusual things. The selection offered here represents the breadth of his interests. Every artifact has an accompanying narrative, a twist of history, or a rare detail that gives it a life of its own and makes it outstanding
Guido Gambone 1909–1969
One of the most prominent Italian ceramicists of the 20th century, Guido Gambone became known for his unique works that merged ancient, traditional, and modern aesthetics through innovative, painterly technique. Born in Montella di Avellino, Italy, Gambone relocated in 1927 with his family to Vietri, a town well-known for ceramic production. Here, as a teenager, he became an apprentice at the local Avallone pottery, going on to study ceramics at the Manifattura Artistica Ceramica Salernitana. He later enrolled at the Industria Ceramica Salernitana, where he became artistic director in 1935.
Gambone returned to Vietri in 1939, and several years later established La Faenzarella pottery with his brother Remigio and their friend Andrea D’Arienzo. The company’s works became known for the use of thick glazes in both earthy and vibrant hues, often made to appear especially viscous through the addition of sand, with patterns reminiscent of oil painting. In 1947, Gambone received the prestigious Premio Faenza, which he would go on to win multiple times throughout his career.
In 1950, Gambone moved to Florence where he founded La Tirrena pottery. His son Bruno, who was born in 1936, would become an important part of La Tirrena, which expanded on the aesthetics of works created at La Faenzarella. That same year, Gambone participated in the 25th Venice Biennale and had multiple works on view internationally, including at the Brooklyn Museum. He continued to work through 1967, when La Tirrena closed its doors, and passed away two years later. Today, Gambone is recognized as hugely influential to subsequent generations of ceramicists and designers, and his works are highly sought after.
