VERY RARE MATCHING COUPLE 8973. A NABATEAN MAN AND WIFE, 1st century BC/AD. The matching pair, no doubt a husband and wife, both attired in ankle-length robes, belted at the waists, with hands outstretched likely in supplication to the gods, or perhaps in animated conversation with each other. Both cast in the round in bronze in realistic style with excellent detail, additional detail certainly present under the patina. Very rare, especially as a matching pair. Mounted on custom acrylic stands. Both figures in excellent intact condition with no repair or restoration. To 5.1 inches in height. See Sotheby's London 6/7/95 #260 for a nearly identical single male figure of the same height estimated at 6,000-8,000 GBP. Provenance: Acquired by the current owner at a Harmer Rooke auction in the early 1990's. $12,000.