Main image: Theodore Rezvoy
The fifteenth interview through images by Andrew Sheptunov
Theodore Rezvoy is an artist who has turned the ancient Japanese art of netsuke into a universe of his own. Netsuke are miniature sculptures that once served both as adornments and functional elements of traditional Japanese clothing, eventually becoming an independent art form.
Their value lies not only in the story and craftsmanship, but also in their tactility: a netsuke must “sit in the hand,” feel alive, warm, and present. This philosophy of the miniature lies at the heart of Theodore’s work.
His path to netsuke began unexpectedly. First there was Odessa, an art education, work as a designer and decorator, teaching, and — always — an unquenchable urge to travel. He says he lives on three “whales”: wandering, photography, and netsuke — and each one constantly shapes the other two. Travel brings stories, photography trains the eye to notice details, and netsuke turns impressions into matter.
Another essential part of his biography is the ocean. The sea, ships, long routes, distant ports, the smell of salt and wind — all of this is deeply woven into his world. He speaks of the ocean the way people speak of a living being. And the “oceanic” motif often echoes in his miniatures: in the dynamic lines, the fluidity of forms, the images of animals and mythological figures, and in the very idea of perpetual movement.
Today, Theodore’s art exists on a fine line between craftsmanship and storytelling. Each of his netsuke has a mood, a character, or even a quiet internal joke. These are miniature stories that require no lengthy explanations — just a glance or a touch.
That is why we chose to speak with Theodore not directly, but through his works. Each question is answered by one of his netsuke — the one that best conveys the meaning, idea, or emotion behind it. The miniatures become his words; the sculptures become his replies.
1. Which of your netsuke, in your view, best embodies freedom?
2. Which netsuke reflects your most important journey?
3. Which netsuke would you show to someone discovering your work for the first time?
4. Which netsuke do you consider the most philosophical in meaning?
5. Which of your netsuke captures the fine line between fear and hope?
6. Which netsuke would you call a “portrait” of yourself?
7. Which of your works most precisely conveys the idea of harmony?
8. Which netsuke is tied to your most emotional memory?
9. Which of your works is connected with humor or irony?
10. Which piece best expresses the value of touch and hand-made tactility?
11. Which work became a revelation or a surprise during its creation?
12. Which netsuke was the most difficult to create, yet brought the greatest satisfaction?
When you look at Theodore Rezvoy’s works, it becomes clear: netsuke is not just a miniature. It is a way of speaking softly about what matters — through gesture, form, and line. Every piece is a small story that connects craftsmanship, travel, observation, humor, fears, hopes, and boundless curiosity about the world.
The questions he answers with his netsuke reveal this especially clearly. What you hear is not the artist’s voice, but the voice of the material — wood, horn, bone, amber — which under his hands gains character, mood, and meaning.
This selection is only a small fragment of his universe. There are many more ideas, journeys, and discoveries ahead. And most importantly — new miniatures, each not just an object, but a living reply in the ongoing conversation between art and the viewer.
To explore more of his netsuke, new works, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, you can visit the Artist’s Social Media:
