Sam Kaufman has been selling fine and idiosyncratic 20th-century objects since he opened his Los Angeles store, back in the 20th century. The collection defies easy categorization, but every piece is chosen with the three criteria Sam personally values in applied art: playfulness, craftsmanship, and historical significance. The core of the gallery's collection is ceramics and furniture of the post-war period, especially pieces from Italy, France, and Scandinavia. These are augmented by ethnographic artifacts and the odd eccentric antique; things that complement the best work of the middle of the last century. Sam envisions his enterprise as a salon for enthusiasts, and his job as a kind of cross between curator and emcee. The gallery caters to a wide spectrum of customers, from a connoisseur searching for an elusive piece to complete a collection, to an interior designer looking for an unusual lounge chair for a client’s screening room, or anybody shopping for a special gift. Born in New York City, Sam's interest in architecture and design began at a young age, when he was awarded a Bronze Medal in the 1968 New York (Jones Beach) Sand Castle Contest. He went on to receive his A.B. at Brown University, and an M.F.A. at the University of Southern California. Discounts at Sam Kaufman Gallery are offered to customers who can sing any Francoise Hardy song acappella.