The recumbent lioness is roaring. A collar mane frames her face below the ears. The very linear, triangular, incised locks are lancet-like on the mane, leaf-like on the chest. The tail is slung over the r. hindquarter. Large hind paws with toes are indicated. Three dugs and soft belly show on each side, better executed and preserved on her r. The sculptor is in error in giving the lioness a mane and six dugs under her chest; she should have only four, abdominally placed. She lies on a low plinth which she seems to grasp with the r. fore and l. hind paws. There are traces of cuttings for iron clamps. Two clamp halves are preserved in the plinth with the r. paw to tie in the missing plinth fragment with the l. paw. Both were swallow-tail clamps (clamp A: P.L. 0.06, W. 0.04; clamp B: P.L. 0.05, W. 0.045). Parts of iron bridge clamps are also preserved. A third clamp cutting, C, and part of a clamp are visible on the side of the plinth under the l. paw where the missing part of the plinth was clamped (Fig. 129).

A glance at the lioness of the famous Acropolis pediment brings out very clearly that the Sardis lioness is relatively abstract and primitive. Thus the dugs and part of the belly are simply added to the outline of a standard "Ionian" recumbent lion type. Major forms approximate geometric volumes, but there is a hint of rounded softness in the hindquarters, and a fine curve describes the underpart of the body. The r. side is slightly different from the l. because of the tail and slight raising of the r. haunch. Otherwise, all life and power are concentrated in the squarish, roaring head.

The closest parallel to the swinging curve of the belly is on a Milesian lion ca. 550-530 B.C., and this date will also apply to the Sardian lioness. Despite anatomical errors, the piece is charming and carefully sculpted.

White marble with regular gray seams, produces an effect suggestive of feline stripes.

L. lower leg missing, was dowelled to r. leg. R. lower leg also worked separately and dowelled (?). Upper and lower jaws broken off. Surface somewhat washed out (especially on top and sides). Cracked on top of hindquarters.