This finely decorated gold fish-form scent flask is probably made in China. It is used during the Havdalah, a Jewish ritual that marks the end of the holy Sabbath, in which a special candle and spice essence are used for blessing, and the spice smelling is perceived as enhancing the Jewish spirit after the pleasantry of the Shabbat before returning to daily routine. The articulated body of the fish is flexible, allowing the scent of the spices within to be enjoyed. Such scent flask or spice containers exist in a variety of shapes and designs.
