Massive Turkish Wool Carpet, ex-James Coburn Estate

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Near East / Central Asia, Turkey, Ushak (Oushak or Usak), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This magnificent, entirely hand-knotted wool rug features a central medallion on a red ground, framed by borders of floral vines and tracery motifs. A hallmark of antique Ushak carpets, the central medallion - often referred to as the "Star Oushak" - dominates the composition with intricate floral patterns. The color palette is primarily complementary rose red and olive green, accented with indigo, pink, yellow, and beige hues. This massive, room-sized or "palace-sized" rug measures 25 feet (7.62 meters) in length and 16.875 feet (5.14 meters) in width. The designs are crafted with larger knots (approximately 6 per inch) on an all-wool foundation. The pile is luxuriously silky and luminous - demonstrating the exceptional quality of Ushak wool, prized for centuries due to the region's high-quality sheep breeds and traditional hand-processing methods that preserve the wool's natural luster and softness. Size: 300" L x 202.5" W (762 cm x 514.4 cm)
  
  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.
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #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!
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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