A porcelain vase dating back to the 17th century from the Chinese Qing Dynasty that was destroyed by a museum visitor in January, is back on display after the museum restored the priceless vase.

Ironically, the return of the Chinese vase in the museum coincides with the decision of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, to put an exhibit about art restoration.

According to a report by ananova.com, the priceless vase was smashed to 113 pieces when Nick Flynn, who was visiting the museum, tripped on his shoelace sending the vase crashing on the floor.

Specialist ceramic restorer Penny Bendal meticulously glued together the smashed pieces back together ahead of the latest exhibition. She said she hope to restore two similar vases that were broken during the same incident. The initial clear-up operation took two-and-a-half days.

The restoration involves the taping of ll the pieces together then binding it with a special adhesive before a final polish and coating of enamel to hide the cracks.

The Daily Mail said the three vases were part of a set of five with an estimated value between $381,000 and $571,000.

Flynn was arrested in April for the incident on charges of criminal damage but was later released. He describes the accident as a "Norman Wisdom moment."