This piece of embroidered silk handkerchief uses the satin stitch on a red background. The satin stitch is a technique using a series of flat, parallel stitches to cover the background fabric. Blanket stitches are visible along the edges of the piece. The decorative motifs on this piece consist of a large peony blossom at the centre of the piece surrounded by butterflies and other floral motifs. Peonies are symbolic of wealth and prosperity while pairs of butterflies symbolise romance and love. Red is also an auspicious colour associated with weddings. Such pieces of embroidery were usually hand sewn by the Peranakan women themselves. The ability to create fine pieces of beadwork and embroidery was an expected skill of a Peranakan wife. A piece like this was possibly used during wedding ceremonies because of its auspicious motifs.
