COVER’s 50 best rugs: Rae by Joseph Carini Carpets

For the 50th edition of COVER, we asked influential people in the world of handmade carpets to without prejudice name the best rug since the first issue 13 years ago. Interior designer Catherine Weinstock of CW Design, chose Rae by Joseph Carini Carpets.

For the 50th edition of COVER, we asked influential people in the world of handmade carpets to without prejudice name the best rug since the first issue 13 years ago. Interior designer Catherine Weinstock of CW Design, chose Rae by Joseph Carini Carpets, which also features on one of the four COVER 50 front covers.

‘I fell in love at first sight. This fabulous rug is bold and expressive with a big personality—not another bland and “decorative” (ugh!) piece. Two figures appear to be talking with one another. Or is it one figure in which the ego is talking to the id? I appreciate the ambiguity and the mystery—it’s very thought provoking. There is so much going on and I enjoy the fact that every time I look at it, I discover something new. I feel this piece could work in any environment. Moreover, it references so many things: colour, texture, geometry, symbolism (the eye), graffiti (street art) and also primitive art. And of course, being a New Yorker, I love that the artist is also from New York!’