This vintage ceramic dish was origially designed as an ashtray but makes the perfect coin dish, trinket holder, jewelry tray or spoon rest.  You could even put a candle in it.  It is embossed with Braille and corresponding alphabet letters around the rim, with a German Shepherd guide dog in harness at the center of the bowl. A nice aid for the sighted to learn Braille, and an interesting conversation piece. 

These ashtrays were made in the 1950's and 1960's by The Philomatheon Society of the Blind in Canton, Ohio.  They were done in blue, brown, green and yellow with either a cane or a guide dog in harness.  This particular color/design is difficult to find today.