Lot 55
Central Asia, Persia (modern-day Iran), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This magnificent, entirely hand-knotted wool carpet is woven in the Sultanabad style, celebrated for its large-scale floral motifs. Set on a rich red ground, the design features a central medallion surrounded by scrolling vines and flowers. The color palette is dominated by complementary rose red and olive green hues, with indigo, pink, yellow, and beige. "Palace-sized" in scale, this textile spans an impressive 25 feet (7.6 meters) in length and 16.8 feet (5.1 meters) in width. Sultanabad carpets became a major Persian export during the 19th century, driven in part by increasing Western demand for more spacious and decorative layouts. Crafted with large symmetrical knots (approximately 6 per inch) on an all-wool foundation, this piece boasts a luxuriously soft and luminous pile. The high-quality Persian wool, traditionally hand-processed, retains its natural sheen and rich texture - hallmarks of carpets from this celebrated weaving center. Size: 300" L x 202.5" W (762 cm x 514.4 cm)
This visually striking rug exhibits characteristics found across a range of weaving traditions from Persia and surrounding regions. While we do not specialize in textiles, our research has offered intriguing - but ultimately inconclusive - insights. Possible attributions have included Tabriz, Kashan, Sultanabad, and even Turkish Ushak. We welcome those with expertise in historic rugs to share their knowledge, as we believe connoisseurs will recognize details that may further clarify its origins.
This extraordinary, palace-sized rug was designed for a grand interior space and was once owned by Hollywood actor James Coburn (1928-2002). A photograph from the 1970s shows this very carpet in the living room of Coburn's lavishly furnished Beverly Hills residence. The home's interior reflected the global sensibilities of Coburn and his wife, who filled the space with objects collected during their travels. Much of the interior design was conceived and executed by their close friend and renowned artist Tony Duquette (1914-1999). Duquette, celebrated for his fantastical interiors, elaborate theatrical designs, and opulent use of color and texture, worked closely with the Coburns on the house. According to contemporary sources, Duquette developed the overall design plan while the Coburns executed much of the furnishing and detailed work themselves. The result was one of Duquette's most iconic private commissions - a visual masterpiece blending Coburn's interest in Eastern mysticism with Duquette's signature maximalist style. The home featured Asian antiques, custom lighting, intricate screens, and sumptuous textiles, creating an immersive, theatrical environment that reflected both Coburn's spiritual aesthetic and Duquette's artistic flair. The Coburn's home interior became legendary and was widely featured in publications such as Architectural Digest. For a photo of this rug in situ, see the Tony Duquette Studio website. Additional imagery, including a 1970s family photograph showing the rug in front of a fireplace, can be found in the article "See Inside the Home of Vintage Actor James Coburn (1970)" on Click Americana, published June 26, 2020.
Provenance: private Valley Glen, California, USA collection; ex-Hollywood actor James Coburn's estate.
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#193693
- Condition: Previously used on the floor with wear consistent with years of use. Many threadbare areas with losses to weft fibers and exposing the white warp foundation. Old and inactive moth damage to an area along the green border on the long edge. Some stains but overall great coloration and would be an amazing wall tapestry if one had the space!
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