Lustrous legacy: Filipino brands embracing capiz in modern homes

For the team behind the Cebu-based Capiz Shell Furniture, capiz furniture is key to preserving the heritage and identity of Filipino artisans. From an initial project restoring the Gabaldon school buildings in Cebu, the brand now creates doors, windows and mirror frames among other custom pieces. One of their most iconic pieces is the round capiz pendant chandelier, which adds dynamism and warmth to any space. 

Earlier this year, Australia-based artist and architect John Gatip displayed his works at the Melbourne Design Fair. One of his most notable creations is the hanging installation “Balabal Ng Sirena” (siren's cloak), which takes root in Filipino mythology surrounding these mesmerising creatures. Here, Gatip incorporates traditional weaving techniques to create a one-of-a-kind chandelier. 

For nearly half a century, Zyrrah’s Arts and Crafts has created home decorations, houseware and Christmas decorations that highlight capiz along with other indigenous Philippine materials. Among their recent creations are plates and napkin holders with delicate golden details, which add elegance to the tablescape.

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In the early 1980s, Jean-Marc Pasquet began working with Cebuano craftsmen to create unique furniture pieces, such as shagreen cabinets and tables. In 2006, he opened La Galuche, a family-run atelier that creates beautiful furniture out of unique materials, including capiz. One of their unique pieces is the pearl circus chest, a reproduction of the Rousseau Chest that pairs capiz marquetry with solid ebony wood for an altogether timeless design. 

Shell Arts Co Inc. was created in 1929 by an American family, whose main business was to create mother-of-pearl buttons. Since the 1960s, they shifted their focus to tableware, bathroom accessories and furniture out of laminated capiz shells. Their craftsmanship can be seen in their recent Sunflower series, a collection that pairs the delicate capiz material with gold leaf accents.  

For the past eleven years, the Venzon team has been creating lighting and furniture pieces that remain rooted in traditional Filipino design while embodying contemporary forms. At their studio in San Fernando, Pampanga, they create such memorable pieces as the Squire Chandelier pendant lamps. Its honeycomb frame is complemented by cascading capiz shells, which gently illuminate a dining room or entryway. 

Manila Table’s classic and modern pieces are suitable for everyday dining and entertaining guests. With Christmas just around the corner, their capiz wreaths can be hung on the door to greet guests upon their arrival. But with a range of colours, including green, gold and red, they can add drama and colour to any tablescape, all year round. 

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