Hard not to feel deeply empathetic toward this guy, who I love so much for the expressionistic manner in which his face is carved, which make it seem as if the carver felt a great sense of urgency, and which gives the piece a terrific immediacy. Perhaps a portrait of a specific individual, or a self portrait, or maybe just a poignant portrait of existential dread.
4 3/4" tall x 2 3/16" wide x 1 1/2" deep. I think pine, with black ink (I think maybe combined with crayon and/or paint) for the hair and red for the cheeks and mouth, plus stray ink/sharpie marks here and there. It definitely has some age to it; I'd guess 1940s or so. Unsigned.
