Among the many high-value collectibles favored by the ultra-wealthy around the world, samurai swords are currently regarded as one of the most promising items, with prices consistently breaking records. Sought after by both enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with martial arts, the samurai sword represents the ancient Japanese sword-making art that has been preserved to this day.
The Most Expensive Samurai Swords in History
Not everyone can forge a samurai sword. It is estimated that there are only about 180 skilled swordsmiths in the world capable of crafting a samurai sword. Each sword is unique, made from layers of folded steel that create a complete blade with a one-of-a-kind pattern. In modern times, as the purpose of creating weapons has become less relevant, these swords have transformed into works of art. They are even seen as symbols of status and have become ideal collectibles or investment pieces for the wealthy.
1. Samurai Tachi – $100,000,000 ~ over 2.351 trillion VND
The Samurai Tachi is the most expensive Japanese sword ever crafted. Initially, the Samurai Tachi belonged to the lord Fukushima Masanori, a famous daimyo in Japanese history who lived in the 16th century.
The Tachi sword has been through countless battles alongside Fukushima Masanori and remains intact to this day. For this reason, it is regarded as a masterpiece representing the pinnacle of sword-making art, as well as having a fascinating historical story.
2. Katana Kamakura – $418,000 ~ 9.8 billion VND
The Kamakura katana was crafted during the Kamakura period, which is described as the golden age of sword-making.
The Kamakura sword was purchased in 1992 and is part of Dr. Walter Ames Compton’s sword collection, with the blade estimated to date back to the 13th century. According to records, only 125 similar Kamakura katanas were ever made, but not all of them are in as good condition as the one in the collection.
Researchers believe that this katana originated from the Taima sword school, which produced many slender swords. The characteristic of swords from this school is that they do not have names, as swordsmiths rarely engraved their names on these swords.
3. Katana Shoshu – $69,000 ~ 1.6 billion VND
Through the date and the name of the maker engraved on the sword, it can be confirmed that the Katana Shoshu originates from the Nanbokucho period of the 14th century. The sword was created by a master swordsmith from Kyoto during this period, believed to be Hasebe Kunishige, a swordsman at the Sosho dojo and a disciple of the legendary swordsmith Masamune.
Hasebe Kunishige is regarded as one of the most legendary and revered swordsmiths in Japan.
4. Katana Tokubetsu Hozon – $32,000 ~ 752 million VND
This Tokubetsu katana was crafted by the swordsmith Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi during the late Edo period. To this day, it retains its historical value thanks to the inscriptions on the blade.
Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi was an outstanding swordsmith who studied at the Gassan dojo, established in Japan in the 12th century. This dojo is not only known for training legendary swordsmiths but also for producing katana of exceptional quality at extremely high prices.
5. Kantana Ko-Mihara – $29,000 ~ 681 million VND
Based on assessments and inscriptions on the blade, it is believed to date back about 600 years. When unearthed, the sword still bore traces of a battle among many samurai.
The Katana Ko-Mihara was crafted at the Ko Mihara dojo, located in Bingo, present-day Hiroshima Prefecture. This dojo was established in the late 14th century.
