Famarte

04/05/2026

This week's treasure is a Seated Crowned Buddha from Burma, Arakan period, 17th century, in bronze, H31 x 17.5 cm.

The Buddha is seated in vajrāsana, the posture of meditation. The Buddha’s right hand is extended in the gesture of bhūmisparśa mudrā, while the left hand gently holds a small offering bowl. In his right hand he grasps a myrobalan fruit, long associated with the Buddha as a “universal healer.”
It expresses his ability to cure not only physical pain, but also the deeper suffering of existence. His serene facial expression, with downcast eyes and softly arched brows, reflects profound inner calm.

The figure wears an elaborate multi-tiered crown characteristic of Arakan courtly Buddhist iconography. The crown rises in a sequence of flame-like points surrounding a central finial and flanked by stylized side ornaments. Large circular earrings and a finely detailed torso covering—decorated with rows of beaded patterns and pendant elements—underscore the royal nature of the Buddha.

On view in the gallery or to discover at www.famarte.be. ⛩

28/01/2026

Today I want to share this small and beautiful Nandi with Shiva linga from South India (possibly Tamil Nadu), 18th century, in solid bronze, H12xW7cm

This sculpture represents Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Shiva, shown standing in a calm posture. The figure is cast in bronze and mounted on a rectangular, tiered pedestal, conceived as a devotional image. Nandi is depicted with a robust body, with four firmly planted legs ending in stylised hooves. He has a slightly raised head, with rounded muzzle, incised nostrils, and almond-shaped eyes that convey a composed, benevolent expression. He has short, upright horns, typical of Nandi iconography. The bull is richly adorned with a beaded garland around the chest and along the back, accentuating the sacred status of the animal; he has additional ornamental bands around the legs.

A looped element behind the neck possibly indicates a ceremonial collar, a feature often seen in southern Indian bronzes. The surface shows a dark brown to olive patina with areas of wear, consistent with age and ritual handling.

In front of Nandi, placed on the pedestal, is a small Shiva linga. This detail strongly suggests domestic worship use.

More Asian artworks to discover on www.famarte.be ⛩

20/01/2026

11/01/2026

I wish everybody a happy 2026 full of love and art!

A short 3D glimpse into the gallery:

After more than thirteen years, the gallery has been reimagined and presented in a completely new setting. This immersive 3D film offers a sense of space, scale and atmosphere of the renewed gallery and its current exhibition.

The exhibition is on view until 30 January 2026.

www.famarte.be ⛩

28/11/2025

This schist Head of a Bodhisattva comes from Pakistan, Ancient region of Gandhara, dating from the 2nd-3thcentury, Gandhara period, H12cm.
Provenance: Important South German private collection since the 1950s

Carved in fine grey schist, this refined head of a Bodhisattva embodies the characteristic elegance of Gandharan sculpture with perfectly balanced proportions. The gentle face, with half-closed almond-shaped eyes and soft curved lips conveys spiritual introspection. A prominent urna or third eye adorns the forehead, a lotus-shaped medallion is set in the hair to symbolize purity. This diadem distinguishes the figure from representations of the Buddha, who is typically shown without ornamentation. The hair is arranged in thick wavy locks, gathered into a topknot and secured by a laurel-like crown, reflecting the fusion of Hellenistic and Buddhist iconographic elements. This head shows the influence of Greek ideals of beauty, which were blended with Indian spiritual concepts during the Kushan empire.

To be admired at www.famarte.be or in the gallery! ⛩
Contact us directly: [email protected]

Photo credit: Studio Speltdoorn

05/11/2025

The paintings of Eric Guéna are so unique because they fuse Eastern refinement with Western sensibility. Trained in the traditions of lacquer, gold leaf and Japanese ink, he creates luminous surfaces that seem to breathe light and silence. Each layer, patiently polished, reveals depth, texture and a quiet inner vibration. His works balance movement and stillness, inviting contemplation.

What makes them truly distinctive: their spiritual serenity. They do not depict, but emanate emotion. They offer viewers a moment of carm reflection within an ever-changing world.

Eric Guéna has just finished a new painting that builds on this tradition and once again evokes powerful emotions....

On view in the gallery! Other paintings from Eric Guéna can be admired in the gallery and online: www.famarte.be ⛩

Namasté!

26/10/2025

Ritual Conch Shell (Shankha)
Northern India
19th century
Shell
L 16.5cm x W 9cm (weight: 555g)
Provenance: Private collection UK

This white conch shell is beautifully carved with a stylized lotus motif. This type of right-spiralling conch holds deep ritual significance in Hinduism, particularly in connection with the god Vishnu, for whom the conch symbolises the primordial sound of Om from which the universe was created. The preserver god is often portrayed holding a conch shell in his upper left hand. In general the conch is an important ritual implement in both Hindu and Buddhist tradition, as Vishnu’s attribute and as a ritual instrument in Tibetan Buddhism.

Shankhas were used in temple rituals to sprinkle holy water (abhisheka) or blown to signal the start of ceremonies, believed to purify the space and invoke divine presence. The carved lotus motif, symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, emphasizes the conch's role as a sacred object tied to cosmic order and protection. Also, warriors in ancient India blew conch shells to announce the start of the battle, often described in the famous Indian epic, Mahabharata.

The shell has an excellent patina from years of ritual use.

Contact us directly: [email protected]

Visit our website for other available art objects ⛩
Website link in bio.

01/09/2025

We love this beautiful collection of 19th century cremation urns (height 32-52cm) from Cambodia in carved wood with red and black lacquer, gilded with gold leaf, and glass beads . Each cremation urn with separate lid and base has a tall spire, inspired by the design of a miniature stupa. These urns were used to hold the ashes of the deceased monks, royalty or members of wealthy families. The fine design reflects the importance of these objects of reverence, to celebrate and to provide merit in the afterlife.

Each urn is unique, with variations in profile and ornamentation. An authentic and decorative eyecatcher at home!

Contact us directly:
[email protected]

Visit our website for other fresh items. Website link in bio.

Photo credit: Studio Speltdoorn/

19/08/2025

These 12-13th century cast bronze containers from Cambodia with base and a stupa-like lid, were used to store lime for betel chewing, a widespread social practice across Southeast Asia. The finials recall Buddhist stupas and the Khmer temple architecture. They reflect the artistic refinement and daily customs of the Khmer elite in households, temples and at the court during the Angkor period. They were often exchanged as gifts and used during ritual ceremonies. The bronze shows signs of patination and encrustation from age and burial with shades of green, brown or reddish oxidation. (height: 13-16.5cm)

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[email protected]

Visit our website also for other available items.
Website link in bio

11/07/2025

Beautiful collection of buffalo bells from Burma, Shan states, 19th century, in cast bronze, sometimes with copper or iron clappers

From the sound of the bell, the herder could recognize his animals. The continuous tinkling keeps the herd together, especially on communal grasslands and vast rice fields. The sound also keeps dangerous animals like snakes at a distance.
Water buffaloes in Southeast Asia are held in high regard and are a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Decorating them with beautiful bells is a way to express their dignity.
The design of the bells is clearly recognizable at the stylized motifs of rice stalks with grains, sugar palms and floral patterns, symbolizing abundance and protection.
These bells are collector items, valued both for sound and form.

www.famarte.be