Using an eye is a common mask design. Maybe that's why it feels familiar to you.
[2011] Mirai Nikki
[2008] Soul Eater
[1999] 20 Seiki Shounen
[1998-2000] Zelda for N64
[1995] On Your Mark
[1990] Fushigi no Umi no Nadia
The ones wearing a piece of cloth to hide their face are usually unimportant background characters, though. If I remember correctly the purpose is to prevent servants from seeing the face of the emperor. Or sometimes it is people dressed completely in black with a black cloth mask who are doing background tasks and are supposed to be treated as not being there, for example during a performance.