This is a rare and exceptional piece of bed linen. The provenance is from a wealthy French Bourgeoisie family, going back 3/4 generations and still living in the same chateau locally. It is in fact from the same owners as the magnificent Richelieu table linen which is also highlighted at this auction. The bed linen saw its conception at the early XXth Century and the linen was woven in Lyon at the time and the superb initials added later on at the Chateau. They had 3 full time "couturières who had their workroom in a adjacent building where all the repairs took place. Also adding initials to bed and table linen, shirts, napkins, pillow cases, volster cases, hunting gear, tea towels etc. to name but a few. If the embroidery could not be done by them the linen would go to the Nuns of the Convent who were fully trained to do exceptional making of lace and embroidery. The initials on this table linen are beautifully executed and embroidered in high relief. They are T.M. and standing for Tomaz & Marie Claire, the Maternal Grandparents of the lady who is now 92 and has still enjoys a full life. The initials are supported by a branch of what appear to be Margaritas, a very popular flower at the time. The initials are 15cm long. The border of the bed linen is framed with 4 rows of fine open thread work. Please note; There are 2 very small brown marks more or less in the centre of the bed linen. Vintage linen have already known a first life and can therefore have slight traces of the past. We select the items in the best possible way, with love and dedication. Honest descriptions and images gives a real vision of the items. The linen that we offer for sale is not new linen, unless specifically mentioned, it is second-hand and old linen. As such it may have already been washed, used or even worn. In spite of the great care we take during the preparation, small imperfections can and may escape us. They do not in any way call into question the unique and rare character of these wonderful pieces. I present you our French Antique linen unwashed, as taken out of the armoire, unless otherwise described . It is all clean, but plan to give it a wash before use. Please be aware of the above before you bid and buy. Thank you for taking this into account