Antique Relief Carved Panel with Portrait in Profile cryptomeria ruling lands near and far

ruling lands near and far

but the edge of the top shoe is a bit lower on one side

6th plate ambrotype in a half case

All of which makes me think about the circumstances and disposition of the particular woman who made this one--whether she lacked a community of women to trade with

Antique Relief Carved Panel with Portrait in Profile cryptomeria ruling lands near and farI found this in Vermont but believe its origins are European, and my guess would be French, perhaps portraying an explorer of distant lands, with what I take for mountains or the edges of landmasses at the corners. Or, maybe, in his finery, he's no less than a king, ruling lands near and far. Whatever the case, I think the panel is quite wonderfully carved, and quite a character he is with that long mane and mustache and chin up profile making me