Curious Old Deep Relief Portrait Carving old mask with every bead in place

with every bead in place (it most certainly has never been used)-- and inside that great green zipper is a nice gray lining

I seem to be a magnet for old folky American river landscapes lately

and clearly a heart-felt

Some hairline surface cracking to the lacquer and one small chip at the center of the lid

but I'm sure keeping score

Curious Old Deep Relief Portrait Carving old mask with every bead in placePhotos don't really do justice to the this carving, which comes off looking a bit rougher and more rustic than it really is, which is quite beautifully done. It is a curious one though! What to make of this figure, who appears to have a second set of eye balls, up on his eyelids? I would think he is likely meant to be a priest or monk, with skullcap on his head, deeply carved hood open over one should, and neatly buttoned collar at his neck so then