The wrinkled contours of the date's skin is created by vertical rows of narrow raised bands. A small opening is formed by a neck with relatively high sides and an everted lip. Realism is further enhanced by the dark color of the glass which resembles the deep brown of certain dates. What liquid this charming flask was meant to hold is a matter of speculation-- perfume or an ointment, perhaps derived from the essence of the delicious fruit so abundant in Sidon, the former capital of ancient Phoenicia.