This exquisite silk-on-silk embroidery piece, originating from England and dated circa 1878, is a delicate example of late 19th-century needlework. Measuring 8.5 inches by 11 inches (22 cm x 28 cm), the textile features a central, multi-colored butterfly with outstretched wings, intricately embroidered in shades of gold, brown, and cream with blue and red accents. The butterfly is perched upon a slender, budding branch that extends across a serene blue silk background.
The piece is rich with Victorian-era detailing, including a scalloped embroidered lace border along the bottom edge and decorative needlework "tassels" at the top. A small shield-shaped motif near the bottom explicitly bears the embroidered date "1878". While the textile is in excellent condition, a slight fading of the blue silk is visible, though the original vibrant hue remains protected and visible beneath the small embroidered tassels at the top.