I just assumed that because it has no closed end that it was not a pillowcase. Also my pillowcases are quite a bit wider than this. A standard pillow would have to be scrunched up quite a bit to get it in there. I could see it being the item that is tied closed with ribbon. Then it would make some sense but it's long side is still wider than our king sized bed, and I don't think they had king sized beds when this was made. Ann in TN