Export bar on Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet panel

The government has imposed an export bar on a rare Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet panel found in East Yorkshire.

The piece of art was discovered by a detectorist in a field near Pocklington in 2013 and has been valued at almost £4,000.

The bar temporarily means the object cannot leave the country and provides an opportunity for a UK gallery or institution to buy it.

Experts said the art piece shows clear links to metalwork found at an Anglo-Saxon ship burial site in Sutton Hoo in Suffolk.

The trapezoidal-shaped panel has interlocking cells made from strips of gold soldered to a sheet gold backplate and filled with hand-cut garnets.

Experts said the piece offers insight into the relationship between East Anglia and Northumbria, two of the most powerful kingdoms in 7th Century England.

As the item has met more than one of the Arts Council reviewing committee's Waverley criteria, the board will advise the government whether it identifies as a national treasure.

Committee member Tim Pestell said: "I hope that the bar placed on its export allows a museum to acquire this wonderful artefact as it has much yet to tell us about this pivotal period in English history."

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant added: "This beautiful panel potentially holds information into how the mediaeval kingdoms of this country interacted and co-existed.

"I hope a UK buyer can be found so it can be studied further and its stories can be shared with the public."

The export bar will last until 23 March 2025 and period owners will have 15 working days to consider any offers.

A second deferral period will begin after an option agreement is signed and will last for three months.

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