Cul-noir cup. As "cul" means "buttocks" in French and "noir" means "black," this is an old folk art item with a black (strictly speaking, brownish-brown) back, originating from Rouen in Normandy. It is made of reddish-brown or biscuit-colored clay, with a white surface and a deep candy-colored, almost black, back. Although it is shaped like a cup, it was used for various purposes other than coffee, such as cider, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. There are some small glaze chips around the mouth and on the bottom of the cup, so please avoid using the cup for long periods immersed in water. If you like it, you may enjoy it.

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