Provided are an essentially lead-free black ceramic composition for a filter, a filter formed using the same, and a flat display device including the filter. The lead-free black ceramic composition may include at least one compound selected from the group consisting of B2O3, BaO, and ZnO; and at least one black pigment selected from the group consisting of TiO, CuO, NiO, MnO2, Cr2O3 and Fe2O3. Alternatively, the lead-free black ceramic composition may include Bi2O3; at least one compound selected from the group consisting of B2O3, SiO2, P2O5, Na2O3, Al2O3, BaO, ZnO and TiO2; and at least one black pigment selected from the group consisting of TiO, CuO, NiO, MnO2, Cr2O3 and Fe2O3. The lead-free black ceramic composition for a filter essentially does not contain PbO, which harms human beings and the environment. As a result, the use of the composition is not affected by regulations preventing the use of Pb. In addition, the composition can be calcined at a relatively low temperature and consume a small amount of energy.