Capiz shell lamps and decor handcrafted in Indonesia for East at Main
Sustainable Shell · Handcrafted in Indonesia

Capiz Shell

Farmed shell hand-assembled by artisans in Indonesia

Capiz shell is farmed in managed coastal environments and hand-assembled tile by tile by artisans in Indonesia. Its ability to scatter and filter light is something no synthetic material can replicate.

IndonesiaOrigin
FarmedNot Wild-Caught
CenturiesOf Tradition
HandmadeTile by Tile

Where It Comes From

East at Main capiz shell pieces are sourced and handcrafted in Indonesia, where coastal artisan communities have worked with shell materials for generations. Windowpane oysters (Placuna placenta) are farmed in managed coastal environments, making capiz a renewable, low-impact material.

Sourcing CountryIndonesia. Capiz is farmed, not wild-caught, in managed coastal environments. The harvesting process supports Indonesian coastal artisan communities and has a minimal environmental footprint.

Each shell is harvested by hand, cleaned, and cut into uniform tiles. Every piece in our collection is assembled entirely by hand, tile by tile, a process that requires skill and patience that can only be learned over years of practice.

Farmed

Grown in managed coastal environments in Indonesia, not wild-harvested

Handmade

Each tile cut and assembled by Indonesian artisans, entirely by hand

Luminous

Scatters and filters light in ways no synthetic material can match

Natural

100% shell with no synthetic coatings or composite materials

The Light Effect

What makes capiz truly special is what it does with light. In pendant fixtures, natural daylight passes through the tiles and scatters softly into the room, creating a warm, diffused glow. In mirrors and wall decor, the shells catch and reflect light from different angles throughout the day.

This living quality, the way a capiz piece changes as the light changes, is why it has been used in coastal and tropical architecture for centuries. It is impossible to replicate with glass or synthetic materials.

Care and Maintenance

Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid feather dusters that can catch on shell edges.

Keep away from high-humidity environments such as bathrooms or uncovered outdoor areas.

Handle gently. Capiz is durable in normal use but can chip if struck sharply.

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull the natural shell surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is capiz shell fragile?
Capiz is durable in normal use but is a natural shell material, so it can chip if struck sharply. It is best treated with the same care as any quality decorative piece.
Where is East at Main capiz shell made?
All of our capiz shell pieces are handcrafted in Indonesia by artisan communities with long traditions of working with coastal shell materials.
Can capiz be used in a bathroom?
We do not recommend it. High humidity over time can affect the shell surface and any adhesives used in assembly. Capiz is best suited for dry interior spaces.
Is the shell color consistent across pieces?
There will be natural variation in translucency and tone from piece to piece. This is the nature of a handmade material. The overall look and light quality will be consistent with what you see in our product images.

Handcrafted light for every room.

Sustainably farmed capiz shell, assembled tile by tile in Indonesia.

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