Rare well preserved marble carving of a howling chimera seated in an aggressive posture, roaring a warning. A classic chimera with the wings of a bird, the body and face of a lion. Chimeras were one of the most common tomb guardians and were placed in pairs facing each other across the spirit path that led to a tomb, both to impress visitors to the tomb and to frighten evil spirits. Polychromed with pigments of rose, green and gold, the piece is expressively carved with extended claws, bulging eyes, fangs and curling tongue.