In Japan, when prized ceramics, especially those associated with chanoyu (the tea ceremony), were broken or damaged, they would be mended using lacquer that was often further embellished with gold or silver. Such repairs can have inherent artistic value, while imparting prestige to a vessel and its owner.
 
Kintsugi Tea Bowl
18th century
Glazed ceramic, 16th century
Height 4.8 cm (1 ¾ in.)
Diam. 16.7 (6 ½ in.)
Old wooden box