Germany, Upper Rhine, Strasbourg, circa 1540 A.D. An embroidered pillow or cushion displaying the story of Esther, here kneeling crowned before the king, banner above bearing German text 'Die Künc(g)in Ester'; polychrome corded hem; bronze-coloured reverse. 1.1 kg, 54 x 48 cm (21 1/4 x 19 in.). Private collection, Paris, 2021. Ex central London gallery. Esther was a young Jewish woman who lived during the Persian diaspora. She found favour with the king, became queen, and risked her life to save the Jewish people when a court official persuaded the king to authorise an empire-wide pogrom. [No Reserve]