Have some coffee art

Passengers passing through Panambur and Thokkottu on National Highway 66 and at B C Road on Bangalore-Mangalore National Highway 75 are treated with ornamental items made of coffee stems.The person who introduced and popularised coffee in Kodagu and Chikmagalur region would not have even dreamt that one day even coffee stem could be used not only as an object of utility but also as a tool to boost the sense of aesthetics. However, the ornamental items from the stem are becoming popular, thanks to the heritage houses, hotels and resorts, the manufacturers have been receiving bulk orders for dining tables and chairs.

Old Robusta coffee stems are cleaned and brought from Sakleshpur and are being sold here for the last one month. Stems are cleaned up, scraped and given a paint with colours resembling teakwood or rosewood.

Small plate-like wooden planks are fixed at convenient intersections of the stem.
These stems can hold vases, small flowerpots or even telephone instruments, besides being used for hanging hats and clothes, says Ismail, who is selling them at Thokkottu.

Speaking to City Herald, he says: “I get it from Sakleshpur which is known for its picturesque location and is also famous for its delicious coffee handicrafts made out of uprooted coffee stem. They are not only ornamental but are also sturdy and gives an aesthetic look for a house or business establishments.”

It is said that the coffee tree can last for 100 years. Falcons, crocodiles and horses carved out of wood are attached to the stems.

It is said that not all the coffee growers indulge in ornamental coffee stem making. The price of ornamental items range from Rs 300 to Rs 2,500.

 “We have been in this trade for the last few years. We collect them from wholesalers in Sakleshpur. The wholesalers collect coffee stems uprooted by planters and dry them in the open. Then the stems are used to prepare ornamental items,” he said.

The manufacturers manufacture the products in three colours — natural, varnishing (solar varnishing) and in wood colour. The stems are scraped before they are given final shape.
He sells flowerpots, TV stands, teapoy and different ornamental items made out of coffee stem. “There is a great demand for dining tables and chairs. Those who travel to Kerala on National Highway, stop their vehicles and purchase and take it back home,” he says. One can find dining tables, chairs and sofa sets in B C Road too.

The articles are all-weather proof and nothing will happen to it, even if they are kept in the sun or in the rain. The articles are sturdy and they last long, he claims and adds that most of the articles are made out of single stem.

The prices vary depending on the carvings. If there are more carvings, then it would cost more. However, the business is very dull during rainy season, he rues. On the other hand, the business during summer is excellent. He has brought good stock of the material to Dakshina Kannada and hopes to sell more in the days to come.