1 case wood inro with pottery owl

Inro

1 case wood inro with pottery owl by Tōyō [...]

Wood three case inro in the form of a turtle

Inro

Wood three case inro in the form of a [...]

2-case Inro with bird

Inro

2-case Inro with bird by Nomura Chohei (active 1760-1810) [...]

5 case gold lacquer inro with crabs

Inro

5 case gold lacquer inro with crabs One side [...]

Four case inro with Horse and Rider

Inro

Four case inro with Horse and Rider by Koma [...]

Inro with Daikoku’s sack

Inro

Inro with Dalikoku's sack by Eda Isshi 4-case black [...]

SOLD Shibayama Inlaid Lacquer

Inro, Sold Stock

Exceptional 4-case gold lacquer inro with Shibayama inlay by [...]

SOLD Inlaid Lacquer Owl Inro

Sold Stock

4-case gold lacquer inro with owl by [...]

Japanese Netsuke - Wood Turtle and Snake-netsuke-mr2408

SOLD Wood Turtle and Snake

Sold Stock

Wood Turtle and snake The snake constricting the turtle [...]

4-case inro with rats

Objects in Focus, Inro

4-case inro with rats by Shiomi Masanari Decorated over [...]

Tokujuko Unkoku, large wood netsuke of the Kanshin story_

Lacquer single case inro

Objects in Focus, Inro

Lacquer single case inro by Ryusei Decorated in high [...]

Max Rutherston Ltd

5.0

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

See All Reviews

animal inro