Antique French Faience Plate | Cul Noir | 19th Century
This antique French faience plate has the contrast that makes cul noir (black bottom) pieces so interesting. The front is soft and pale with camaïeu blue decoration, while the entire back is glazed in deep manganese brown... this is where the name comes from.
The front is tin-glazed in a soft eau de Nil, or water of the Nile, color. At the center is a hand-painted panier fleuri (flower basket), painted in cobalt blue with manganese outlines. Around the rim, a banded geometric border gives the plate structure and frames everything beautifully.
This antique French cul noir plate was likely created in Normandy, in the Rouen style, at some point in the 19th century. No maker’s mark is visible. Pieces like this were often produced by regional faienceries, where the decoration was done by hand and repeated often enough that the brushwork has that confident country feeling.
The scalloped rim gives the plate a pleasing shape, and at 32 cm across, it sits nicely between a charger and a serving dish. It is large enough to hold fruit on a counter, but also well proportioned for wall display as the centerpiece of a cul noir, Rouen, Nevers, or French country faience collection.
The age is visible along the rim, where small areas of glaze loss reveal the terracotta clay underneath. There are also use marks on the base and wear to the manganese glaze, all consistent with a long working life.
Today, it would be beautiful hung on a wall, displayed on a shelf, or placed on a counter filled with fruit. It can also be used to serve holiday meals for those special occasions as well.
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USA Pricing Information: Price includes duties, tariffs, customs, and shipping — no extra fees.
Antique French Faience Plate | Cul Noir | 19th Century
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Each order is carefully prepared to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully. Processing typically takes 2-4 business days. During this time, your item is:
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Yes! We ship worldwide from France, with a few exceptions (Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and China due to customs restrictions).
We regularly ship to the United States, Canada, all EU Countries, Korea and Japan, where French antiques and vintage kitchenware are especially appreciated.
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Are returns or exchanges accepted?
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery in line with EU consumer law. Buyer covers return shipping and items must be returned in original condition. Refunds include the item price and original standard shipping.
We do not offer exchanges.
For more details, please see our Returns Policy.
Authenticity & Condition
Every piece is a genuine French or European antique or vintage find that has been carefully sourced in Provence and beyond.
We provide detailed photos and descriptions so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
Signs of age such as patina or gentle wear are part of each item’s story and authenticity. They are not flaws but the character that makes antiques unique. If a piece has notable damage or restoration, we always state it clearly.
Our goal is to save you time and worry. When your order arrives, it matches what you saw online... authentic, original and ready to enjoy.
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