A temporary export bar has been placed on a sculpture by Hans Coper, valued at almost £600,000 ($753,950), to give U.K. institutions time to acquire the work for the nation.

Sharing his own memories of Coper’s work, Farmer continued: “I mean, I remember the first time I ever encountered Hans Coper and it was the monumentary pieces in Coventry Cathedral.

That mottled texture is immediately apparent on the pot sold last week as well as other iconic works by Coper, such as the robust candlesticks he designed for Coventry Cathedral in England. Hans ...