As far back as I can remember, Oriental rugs were on the floor of my grandmother's apartment in…read moreBerlin. At age 14, with my little sister in tow, I walked a small bazaar in a coastal town in Turkey. I sought out the rug merchant. As we entered, I confidently told my 8 year-old sister, "these are Persian rugs". The merchant let out a slow sigh and invited us in. He served us tea and patiently explained the difference between a Turkish rug and a Persian rug (knotting technique, design etc). He was gracious and kind. He did not talk down to us. With my allowance, I bought a little Kilim, but only after haggling (surprising him), which I had seen my mother do countless times in similar situations. As we left, he thanked me repeatedly; a lesson in poise and commerce from a rug merchant in Turkey. Kismet.
Fast forward 44 years. I have purchased rugs at Sotheby's and on Le Brea in LA, occasionally "having paid for my rug education" - having paid dear. As such, I am a bit more aware walking into a rug merchant these days and have not bought anything in years.
But in life there is always Kismet.
Jeff and his wife Mina run Kismet, the primary rug merchant in Jackson Hole. He is an intense, bright, charismatic, energetic, driven member of the community, who clearly does not suffer fools. Mina poised, calm, watchful and supportive.
Boy, does he know his rugs....
I have rarely seen an inventory of the quality and range found there. He knows his stuff and has a good eye for how the rug will work in your space, but even more so, a sense as to how "the rug" will work with your personality. He enthusiastically came to our new house and unrolled rugs, refusing any assistance; we bought 2 large antique area rugs, and a runner after a few days of back and forth. Then, two days later, 7 smaller area rugs within 30 minutes, as our basis of understanding had been set.
I am confident we will continue to work together.
So, go in knowing the inventory is exceptional and he will take the time to find the right rug for you and your space, engaging in a delightful, sometimes intense, but deliberate conversation, a thorough process.....