Curious Old Deep Relief Portrait Carving old mask Believed to represent human beings

Believed to represent human beings

but please inquire if you prefer just one or two

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

I believe in pencil

it is just no longer attached to something that would hold it tightly clamped

Curious Old Deep Relief Portrait Carving old mask Believed to represent human beingsPhotos 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