Here, Krishna is standing on a Padmapeetha, and his knees are slightly bent, showing agility. Krishna is holding butter balls in each of his hands. This form is called Navaneetha Krishna.

The ornamentation is profuse, head decoration, necklaces, armlets, shoulder bands, bracelets, multiple waistbands, anklets and a garland running to mid-thigh. One of the prominent features is the necklace with tiger claws, and it is supposed to provide protection. It is not unusual to see people sporting such necklaces even now.

Krishna is wearing Chanivara/Yajnopavita, a sacred thread running from the left shoulder to the right hip. Wearing of Yajnopavita is meant to signify (start of) intellectual awakening, and it is supposed to be done once the child attains the age of 7 or 8.

Krishna’s plumpness is attributed to his liking for butter, and it is customary to offer butter to Krishna during ritual prayers.

Here, Krishna is naked except for ornaments and garlands. It is not unusual to see Krishna, even in childhood forms, with an adult face.

Navaneetha  Krishna is rarer among Krishna’s forms. This bronze is about 10.5 cm in height, and the patina is deep. This probably dates to the 19th century or slightly earlier.

In terms of place of origin, it is either Tamil Nadu or Karnataka in South India.  The material, head ornament and the nature of work point towards Tamil Nadu. Navaneetha Krishna is more common in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are adjacent regions, and as usual, we face the problem of assigning regions in today’s political/administrative divisions for objects which are hundreds of years old.