I am guessing that this small, very fine (impossibly so!) needlepoint was once part of an early 19th century German "Album Amicorum" or friendship book--a collection of small mementos from friends and family (watercolors, drawings, handwritten messages, and often small needlepoints) of a certain size, housed in a special box. Clearly, much of the paper square it was once mounted to, with gold foil border, is gone--but I was so completely taken with the manner of rendering these black bees buzzing around the hive, there was no way I could not bring it home; it delights me every time I look at it. 

 Framed, under glass, 4 5/8" x 4 5/8". I found it in this simple metal frame with a bright yellow mat around it, which bothered me so I just floated it on a square of antique paper from an old ledger and returned it to this simple metal frame where it is safe. The frame has an easel back, easily replaced in order to hang.