STORY collaborates with Rare Planet to encourage student artists

So, with Christmas and New Year round the corner, visit STORY's Elgin Road (south Kolkata) outlet to take a look at the range of products on offer for some offbeat gifts to surprise your family and friends, even corporate gifting..

The microwave-friendly coffee mugs come in various shapes and designs, from the earthy terracotta to colourful motifs; the signature mugs with Kolkata memorabilia on them make for ideal gifts for outstation guests.

Looking for a utility gift that is not so run-of-the-mill? The pen-stands, with tribal designs on them, some daintily laced up, can come handy.

Surprise your friends by pouring liquid from designer kettles that have been hand-painted.

A leather purse with batik design can complement your semi-formal attire for an evening get together.

Pick up a painted bottle, put a LED light inside, and you have the perfect diffused illumination for a cosy feel.

Promoted by engineering student Ranodeep Saha, Rare Planet sources its products from students studying fine arts, especially in Shantiniketan.

"While visiting Shantiniketan, I realised students of fine arts make excellent products but often do not know how to sell these goods to a larger market. That gave me the idea of launching Rare Planet," said Saha.

Essentially an online store, Saha was happy that a leading retailer such as STORY has collaborated with his company to bring the products to the forefront.

"Recognition from companies such as Primarc, who runs STORY, is a big encouragement to these trained craftspeople and when you buy these products, you are also encouraging local craftspeople," said Saha.

Other products included traditional dokra figures, table decor, calendars, tote bags made of cloth and woven mats, traditional wooden dolls, etc.

"We try to make our products as environment-friendly possible," said salesperson Md Rizwan as he pointed to a cat-shaped serving tray, with a piece of hollowed out bamboo for a body and a coconut shell for a head.