Seven lotus flowers, each in one of the chakra colours and framed with a gold rim: soft light filters through the fine capiz shell and gives the room a warm, living glow. The set is made up of the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple pieces.
The lotus and the chakras
The lotus is an ancient symbol of transformation, from darkness into light, from ignorance into knowledge. In tradition it also evokes the seven main energy centres, the chakras, linked to the central energy channel running along the spine. Chakra teaching holds that each represents a level of consciousness or stage of life, forming an integrated system when in balance. These are traditional meanings, not facts.
Capiz shell
Capiz is the outer shell of a marine mollusc (placuna placenta, commonly the windowpane oyster). Philippine capiz takes its name from the town of Capiz on the island of Panay, from whose shallow coastal waters it was originally gathered. Once cleaned, the shell is naturally translucent and, when painted, lets through a beautiful play of light and colour.
Good to know
Capiz is a natural material, so small irregularities may appear – and these are exactly what make each piece unique. Each piece measures 13.5 × 5.5 cm. It makes a lovely addition to a meditation corner, a windowsill or a quiet reading nook.