A rather rare and unusual form, something we have not seen in our many years of business: what we think is a pair of Chinese export porcelain Nanking patterned knife rests modeled with shaped sides and hand-painted in underglaze blue with Chinese riverscape scenes.  Used to hold your dinner knife while you were eating to protect the tablecloth from being soiled, these are rather well made and decorated and would have indicated a host’s refinement and sophistication to his dinner guests. Another suggestion has been made that these are brush rests for use in a scholar’s studio?  Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome!  Either way, a rare and unusual form, measuring 1 1/4″ tall x 8″ long x 1 5/8″ wide.  Early 19th century.