Based on the Chinese name 金鱼西施壶 (literally "Goldfish Xishi teapot"), this piece is likely a Xishi‑style teapot embellished with a goldfish motif.

The Xishi (西施) teapot is a classic Yixing/zisha form associated with Jiangsu’s pottery tradition. Its origins trace back to the late Ming and early Qing periods and the shape was refined over subsequent centuries by Yixing artisans. The name alludes to Xishi, one of China’s famed beauties, and the form has long been prized for its understated elegance and suitability for brewing gongfu tea.

Shape note: the Xishi form is typically a low, slightly flattened globular body with a gently sloping shoulder, a short, straight spout, a small, low lid, and a rounded, balanced handle—an overall compact, graceful silhouette. The prefix 金鱼 (goldfish) indicates decorative treatment: goldfish may be modeled in relief, painted or incised onto the body or lid, or suggested by applied elements, adding a lively aquatic motif that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. The teapot would traditionally be made from Yixing zisha clay, whose porosity and warmth complement the Xishi shape for tea appreciation.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.