Chinese Wine Vessel Inspiration to Teapot?

I did a bit of reading this morning. I am dying to know who really invented the teapot. So far, the closest thing I could find that may be the real influence is the Chinese wine vessel.

I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical. Although the similarities were compelling, I had a hard time believing that the Chinese would redesign their wine vessel — which according to several sources, became an important kind of sacrificial object — with something so lighthearted as a cup of tea.

Then it hit me. *facepalm* Many cultures believed tea has healing properties. That would certainly make it wine-vessel shape worthy, don't you think?