Kyoto Mid-Century Modern Matte Black Gravy Boat and Underplate

This is a two-piece porcelain gravy boat set consisting of a boat and its matching detached underplate. The set features a striking Mid-Century Modern aesthetic characterized by a biphasic color scheme: a sleek, matte black exterior contrast with a high-gloss white interior. The gravy boat exhibits a streamlined, organic silhouette with a sweeping pour spout and a minimalist handle. The underside of the plate displays a clear black backstamp featuring an atomic-age styled orbital logo with the word 'KYUTO' in a sans-serif font, followed by 'FINE KOSEN CHINA', a pattern number '1016-5', and 'JAPAN'. This branding suggests a manufacturing period likely between the late 1950s and mid-1960s. The construction is fine-grain porcelain, known for its durability and smooth finish. Regarding condition, the matte black glaze shows light surface scuffing and minor fingernail marks, which are common for this specific finish. The white interior remains bright and free of staining. There are no visible chips or cracks on the rim of either the boat or the underplate, though the unglazed foot ring shows light shelf wear commensurate with age. The craftsmanship is of high quality, typical of Japanese ceramic exports from this era designed for the Western market.