Lady with Castanets

This is a superb figurine made in Italy in the 18th century - probably around 1760-70. Not sure as to exact maker but Cozzi is a likely candidate but Este and Nove are also possibilities. The figure is of a lady holding castanets in her hands. Most often associated with the Spanish flamenco dancers these were also used in other areas of the world. Really they are more often sued by singers and dancers rather than in flamenco and they were also used in Roman times and by Italian artists so it fits perfectly. The piece is superbly modeled and left in the white to show it all off. The base has a tree trunk behing the lady and all the lines in the paste are quite typical for Italian makers. Amazingly the figure is in perfect condition. The figurine is marked with some incised marks under the base but nothing that helps ID it. The piece is 5.5 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide and 3 inches deep. Please email me for more information or other pictures.