Zeze Yaki originated in the Edo period under tea master Kobori Enshu, who fostered its production as a domain kiln. It exemplifies his "kirei sabi" aesthetic—a refined, elegant beauty with subtle sophistication. Specializing in tea wares, Zeze Yaki uses fine, iron-rich clays from Lake Biwa, resulting in subtle reddish-brown or dark bodies with characteristic deep brown, black, or ash glazes applied with an understated finish. As an official purveyor to the Shogunate, Zeze Yaki's elevated status continued until the feudal system's abolition around 1871, when production ceased. The kiln was revived in 1927 by Nishimura Yutaka, whose descendants continue to produce Zeze Yaki today.