FRENCH VICTORIAN RICHELIEU PILLOW CASE (1) - Cotton - Late 19th century

This is a superb piece of artistry and creation could well have been achieved by a apprentice or even "artisanale" in French ( a genuine and learned artisan who would have been professionally trained) The borders which are 11 cm wide are "hand applied" in Richelieu on beautiful white cotton. He or she even made the fabric at the front larger than the back ( please look at the 5th photo from the back) to take care of the pillow once it is in position thereby not stretching and pulling the exquisite border. It is almost a museum piece and has never been used as a pillow the lady in Pau told me.