The name "磨砂西施壶" literally means "matte (sanded/frosted) Xishi teapot." The Xishi (西施) form is a classic Chinese teapot silhouette named after Xi Shi, one of the legendary Four Beauties, and long associated with Yixing (Zisha) teapot-making. This elegant shape was widely produced and refined by Jiangsu potters from the late Ming into the Qing eras and has remained a favorite for gongfu tea practice because of its pleasing proportions and restrained elegance.
Shape note: the Xishi typically has a low, gently flattened ovoid or pear-like body, a short, straight spout, a simple loop or arched handle and a small, low-domed lid—proportions designed for balance, comfortable pouring and even heat retention. The "磨砂" descriptor indicates a matte or sanded surface treatment (achieved by fine abrasion or surface finishing), which softens sheen, emphasizes the clay’s texture and provides a tactile, non‑glossy finish. While most Xishi examples are in Zisha (purple clay), the form and finishing treatment can be applied to other clays as well.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.
