Natesa

    Okkur, Thanjavur District. Height 70 cm. 9th Century AD.

    In this icon only four strands of matted hair fly on each side. The upper left hand carries fire in a cup on the palm of the hand. This is an early piece showing the utmost simplicity in workmanship. The head-dress of the figure shows for the first time, the crescent and the Datura flower in the round. The aureole is very simple.

Natesa

    Kuram, Chengalpattu District. Height 53cm. 9th Century AD.

    According to Bharata's Natyasastra this model is called Urdhvajanu. This is the only representation of Natesa in this pose in metal. The upper left hand holds a snake, instead of fire, a noteworthy feature. Draperies are beautifully moulded. Though the face is worn out, the modelling of the figure and the treatment of the ornaments and garments are unmistakably in the Pallava style.

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Ardhanarisvara

     Tiruvenkadu, Thanjavur District. Height 101 cm. About 11th Century AD.

     As the name indicates, Siva is represented here as half-male and half-female, typifying the male and female energies. The right half represents Siva and the left Parvati. Siva has a jatamakuta with a crescent moon. He has three arms of which the lower arm rests on the back of the bull, his vehicle., and the upper right has an axe. The whole of the right side is adorned with ornaments peculiar to Siva. The right leg is bent and rests on the pedestal. The drapery is shown upto the knee. On the left side the image has a karandamakuta. The drapery is upto the anklets and her leg is slightly bent, resting on the pedestal. This image is referred to in an inscription in the temple at Tiruvenkadu.