Pearl shell window-pane. The shell is semi-transparent, one side is pearlescent the other is naturally ridged. The shell is cut into a square shape and is flat. [AB [OPS Move] 18/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Pearl shell window-pane. The shell is semi-transparent, one side is pearlescent the other is naturally ridged. The shell is cut into a square shape and is flat. [AB [OPS Move] 18/5/2017]
Geographical reference: Philippines
Asia > South-eastern Asia > Philippines; Manila
Person: Field collector John Fiot Lee Pearse Maclear; Field collector HMS Flying Fish; PRM source Julia Maclear
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1885
Date collected: 1885
Acquisition information: Donated: 1909
Materials and processes: Material Pearl Shell, Process Carved
Dimensions: Width: max 71 mm, Length: max 78 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1909.30.112
Research and responses: The windowpane oyster, Placuna placenta, has flat translucent valves that are used, primarily in the Philippines, in the manufacture of lampshades, trays, mats, and bowls, and for window-glass [Encyclopædia Britannica Online: “Bivalve”].
John Fiot Lee Pearse Maclear served on the HMS Flying Fish between 1883 and 1887 on surveying work [DNB] [AP 2/2/2001]