Max Rutherston offers Japanese art in many forms. While the emphasis is on netsuke, the gallery endeavours at all times to have interesting holdings of inro and other sagemono, pipe cases and tonkotsu, lacquer, ceramics, sculpture and samurai accoutrements, as well as selected Meiji period works of art.

Ivory Netsuke of Kan’u2020-01-09T19:05:28+00:00

Ivory Netsuke of Kan’u
Exceptional Ivory Netsuke of a Rat2020-01-09T19:05:50+00:00

Exceptional Ivory Netsuke of a Rat
Ivory Netsuke of a Standing Tiger2020-01-09T19:05:02+00:00

Ivory Netsuke of a Standing Tiger

Latest Update Jan 10, 2020 @ 3:50 pm

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Stock of Japanese Art & Antiques for Sale

Netsuke

Inro

Pipecases

Works of Art

Mask Netsuke

Books

Forthcoming Events

There are no more events planned for this year, but we are satisfied that there is plenty of stock to look at here on our site.

Try the new Price Band Search in the drop down menu under Stock.

In the meantime we wish you a very merry holiday season.

Max Rutherston Ltd

5.0

Based on 8 reviews

Jane Smith

06:26 16 Aug 19

I'm very new (naive!) to netsuke and it's completely nerve-wracking to commit to a purchase which could be end up being... an expensive learning experience. Many thanks to you Max, for making me feel so much at ease and for never pressuring me. And for taking the time to show so many wonderful netsuke - many well out of my price range - but such a privilege to handle and appreciate them. I am so happy with my two beautiful pieces that are now the prizes of my little collection. Hope to see you again when I'm next in London - cheers from Liz (from Australia).read more

Gregory Carter

06:24 23 Jul 19

I’ve been at this collecting journey for near 60 years and 35 of those in the pursuit and appreciation of Japanese... art. Whilst netsuke might be considered a second tier focus for me, Max has heightened my appreciation and slowly my knowledge in this most loved field of the miniature arts. There are few whose integrity would match that of Max Rutherston Ltd and none who would surpass it. Clients of all means, backgrounds and knowledge can look forward to equal care and consideration.read more

Alan Harnik

19:14 25 Jan 19

I have bought several netsukes over the years from Max and each time walk away with a better understanding of not only... the piece or pieces that I have purchased but more about netsukes and japanese art as well. Having come from an academic background I really do appreciate the knowledge Max has about the Japanese art that he sells/ and a much better understanding his aesthetic which compliments my own interest. His candor about pricing and value stands out. In todays universe I guess the word would be transparencyread more

Lisa Stillings

20:24 17 Jan 19

I’ve purchased netsuke from Max Rutherston and enjoy working with him. While I’m impressed by the variety and... quality of the pieces he offers, I most appreciate the background information he provides. For example, from speaking with Max and reading his work I’ve learned stories of priestly tanukis; the white fox, Kuzunoha; and the sennin, Chinnan. Finally (and importantly) Max understands that my budget is not unlimited and kindly works within my limits. I look forward to his newsletters and to another visit at his gallery!read more

Cecilie Nilsen

09:37 11 Jan 19

In November 2018 I had the pleasure of spending a few hours in Max Rutherston's gallery. It simply is a treasure trove... if you are into Japanese netsuke, inro and lacquer ware. The gallery is rather small but not in any way cluttered. Every item stands out and draws you in. Mr. Rutherston's vast knowledge in the field coupled with funny anecdotes, made it difficult to tear myself away! The gallery is definitely worth a visit.read more

Chip Lutton

06:35 11 Jan 19

Max Rutherston is an extraordinary Asian art dealer. He's dedicated decades to becoming one of the world's top Japanese... art experts, but no transaction or relationship is too small for his full attention. Max is generous with his time and expertise, and tireless in his pursuit of top treasures around the world. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese netsuke and inro and their history of collection. For me, one sign of a great art dealer is complete transparency -- in pricing and the merits of a piece. I have been impressed with Max's willingness to share fully his views of any piece and to give each collector a fair chance to feel like they were lucky to close a deal, too. Whether you are buying, selling, or just learning, Max Rutherston Ltd. is a must-have relationship.read more

John MacDonald

16:55 10 May 11

I met Mr. Rutherston at his offices in Bury Street and was pleasantly surprised by his depth of knowledge of not just... Netsuke but Asian art as a whole. I must admit I spent rather longer than anticipated at his showroom, but came away with a far greater appreciation of Netsuke than before, as well as a really great bargain. This will definitely be my one stop shop in London for any future Netsuke investments.read more

Next Reviews

Max Rutherston

Ivory Netsuke of Kan’u

Exceptional Ivory Netsuke of a Rat

Ivory Netsuke of a Standing Tiger