The brass Ardhanarishvara that you see on this page comes with a stoney, etched-in finish. The colour is a deep, polished brown, punctuated with the pale etchings of the garments, the shringar, and the crown. The arms of the deity make as if strumming on a musical instrument. Note how the Lord Shiva is chaturbhujadhari, while the Devi Parvati is dvibhujadhari. In sharp contrast to each other are His flaying jata and Her gathered locks; His broad, muscular torso and Her soft, curvaceous one; His ascetic’s loincloth and Her silken dhoti covering the entirety of Her long legs.
The crown on Ardhanrishvara’s head is a tall, slender, looming one, done up with dense engravings. Adding balance to the composition is the high, narrow pedestal with multiple tiers, alternately engraved with lotus petals.