Thursday, December 9, 2010
Placuna placenta
CAPIZ SHELL - Placuna placenta. The outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines. Capiz shell is a flat, semi-transparent shell with a pearlescent appearance. Capiz is often used to create lampshades or other luminescent objects because of its striking appearance when light shines through. 
The History of Kapiz Shell
The history of the Capiz shells can really be said to reach back to the year Magellan discovered the Capiz Island in 1521. Sailing under the patronage of King Philip of Spain, Magellan and his men were enchanted by the exotic tropical lushness of this Island, which is one of many in that region of the South Seas. Combined with 7,166 of others like itself, the islands project a total coastline larger than that of the United States, with crystal clear waters abounding with marine life and unique shells. It follows that the Capiz shell was first found on the Island named after it.
It was inevitable that before long the Spanish would introduce Christianity to the Philippine islands area. Consequently a massive program of church building followed. Having to use local materials, the architects of the period became fascinated with the possibilities of using the translucent round shells that sometimes were washed ashore after a heavy storm. Utilizing the unique way that capiz shells diffused the strong tropical sunlight, craftsmen cut and fashioned them into glorious church windows--many of which still survive to this day.
Using colored dyes, it was possible to get the same effect as stained glass from Europe. Rich merchants quickly exploited the idea to adorn their own homes with this "magnificent new glass". Over the centuries, the skills used by these early Spanish craftsmen have been handed down from generation to generation until the present day.
Over the last decade our entire ALOHASHELLS family has created Capiz designs inspired by our island home, MAUI. Our suncatchers purposely reflect the contemporary scenes of our exquisite Islands of Hawaii, capturing lasting memories loved by visitors and locals alike.
From vivid tropical flowers to graceful Wyland® dolphins, you can now have the best of the old and the new...from TWO South Sea Tropical Paradises...all backed by 300 years of craftsmanship that derives from the Island of Capiz...as always, by native artisans...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
CAPIZ SHELL or "pios"
CAPIZ SHELL or “pios” whose scientific name is Placuna Placenta is a bivalve shell, an extremely translucent shell which can diffuse light making it precious looking like a “new glass”.
According to legend, it was first discovered in the waters of the Province of Capiz, hence the name of Capiz.
Over the years, local craftsmen painstakingly handcrafted the capiz shell into beautiful gifts items that are truly world class.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
What is Capis Shell?
Capiz shell is scientifically known as Placuna Placenta, a fan-shaped to nearly round sea shell. This is bivalve, slightly convex upper shell and almost flat lower shell providing a firmly strong protection for its delicious and edible meat.
The wonderful, unique quality of this shell is its translucent, thin and almost colorless nature. Very fine half round lines indicate the growth of this highly valued marine life. Commercially treasured lampshades, light diffusers, door and window shutters together with room dividers are among the handcrafted merchandise. So far no single machine has been invented to completely process a novelty from Capiz seashell. The brilliance and intrinsic beauty of this marine product is beyond human creation.
The Kapis shell
Whitish,translucent shell of the Philippines,used in making lamp shades,decorative articles etc.
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