HYDERABAD: After the launch of their personalised wedding collection (from invitation cards to thank you gifts) in April, CherryTin launched a selection of affordable tribal art in May. The new online art gallery has only original works, both traditional and contemporary. We particularly like the Gond, Phad and Kalighat paintings (tribal paintings of Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra, and Rajasthan to name a few).
While virtual art galleries like Saatchi Art and Artmajeur have been showcasing art for years, CherryTin only focusses on paintings that use traditional techniques with modern elements. This addition to a list that includes home décor, jewellery and customised stationery, makes sense for corporate gifting as well. On an average, shipping takes two-four days and home delivery is available throughout India. The good news is that the paintings, when they reach you, are ready to go on the wall.
“We started the ‘CherryTin gifting on time’ concept recently through which customers can order their product and choose the time of delivery. This way, the delivery is smooth and the gifts reach on time,” says Kanika Subbiah, the founder.
Roots revival
For a city that has to wait for Crafts Council of India exhibitions or Dastkar to access Pattachitra from Orissa or mural paintings from Kerala, this website is more than welcome. “A realisation that there was a real dearth of places where one could purchase lesser known traditional art forms was the main reason behind creating the online gallery,” confirms Subbiah. The gallery has original art work by renowned tribal artists like Ramesh Tekam (Gond artist of Madhya Pradesh), Kalyan Joshi (Phad artist of Rajasthan), and Kailash Chand Kumawat (of Rajasthan), with paintings coming in from Rajasthan, West Bengal and Orissa, too. Joshi’s paintings of ancient costumes on stamp paper come with gold work and intricate detail. “India has many art traditions, and we have just scratched the surface,” admits Subbiah, who graduated from Dartmouth College and University of Chicago before returning to India to open her online store.
Keep it personal
Apart from this, CherryTin has also launched a personalised story book range for kids, where everything from the message to the names of the characters in the story, is customised for the person to whom it is gifted. They are also looking to expand with crib shoes, designer stoles, and coffee table books in the near future.
Prices from Rs 2100. Details: cherrytin.com