Capiz is the
Tagalog term for
nacre, the
translucent iridescent- or
pearly-looking inner lining of
shells.
Pre-World War II Philippine homes commonly had beautiful capiz shell windows with 2 to 3 inch wide squares of capiz within wooden "grids" that let sunlight inside while allowing for some privacy. Capiz is often used in Philippine handicrafts, from suncatchers, lampshades, to "leaves" on decorative "trees".