The stock of Japanese Art for sale changes regularly as we continually search and buy antique Japanese works of art. Here are some of our latest additions to that stock. Please contact our gallery to view more.

Latest Update: Jul 26, 2019 @ 1:49 pm

Ivory Netsuke of a Snail on a Mushroom

Dark Stained Ivory Netsuke of a Seated Monkey

Ivory Netsuke of Ono no Komachi

Ivory Netsuke of Ono no Komachi

Wood netsuke of a bitch and pup

Wood netsuke of a bitch and pup

Ivory Netsuke of Tigers

Ivory Netsuke of Three Beanpods

Ivory Netsuke of Three Beanpods

Wood netsuke of a head of Kappa

Wood netsuke of a head of Kappa

Ivory Netsuke of Kanzan and Jittoku

Ivory Netsuke of Kanzan and Jittoku

Stag antler manju netsuke

Stag antler manju netsuke

Ivory Netsuke of Two Shishi Playfighting

Ivory Netsuke of Two Shishi Playfighting

Pale boxwood netsuke of Yojo

Pale boxwood netsuke of Yojo

Ivory Netsuke of Two Hares

Ivory Netsuke of Two Hares

Two part ivory manju netsuke with an octopus

Two part ivory manju netsuke with an octopus

Rare ivory netsuke of a rabbit

Rare ivory netsuke of a rabbit

Inlaid Ivory Netsuke of Elephant on Base

Inlaid Ivory Netsuke of Elephant on Base

Wood and stained bone netsuke of onigawara roof tile

Wood and stained bone netsuke of onigawara roof tile

Wood netsuke of seven monkeys

Wood netsuke of seven monkeys

Ivory Netsuke of a Tsuitate

Ivory Netsuke of a Tsuitate

Ivory tobori netsuke of oni on a rock

Ivory tobori netsuke of oni on a rock

Two part ivory manju netsuke with Rakan

Two part ivory manju netsuke with Rakan

Ivory netsuke of Kan’u

Ivory netsuke of Kan’u

Ivory netsuke of tiger and cub

Ivory netsuke of tiger and cub

Ivory netsuke of Shishimai dancers

Ivory netsuke of Shishimai dancers

Wood netsuke of a seated tiger

Wood netsuke of a seated tiger

Ivory netsuke of Hotei teasing a boy with a puppet

Ivory netsuke of Hotei teasing a boy with a puppet

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Max Rutherston Ltd

5.0

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

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