The most expensive Katanas in the world
The most expensive Samurai Swords in the World
- Fukushima Masanori Tachi: 100,000,000 dollars
The Fukushima Masanori Tachi, reportedly sold for the staggering sum of $100,000,000, is the most expensive samurai sword in the world. It represents one of the most remarkable transactions in the world of ancient Japanese swords.
Fukushima Masanori was a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) during Japan’s Sengoku and Edo periods, renowned for his courage and military prowess. During the Battle of Shizugatake, he was a close ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s great unifiers. The tachi attributed to him would have been a symbol of his status, power, and martial skill.
The Fukushima Masanori Tachi was likely crafted by a master swordsmith, using the finest steel, featuring a distinctive hamon (tempering line), and possibly adorned with intricate engravings or inlays, signifying its significance and the high rank of its owner.
2. Yamatorige Katana (San-cho-mo): 5,000,000 dollars
The Yamatorige, whose sale reached the remarkable sum of $5,000,000, is a symbol of the peak of samurai culture and the intricate craftsmanship that defines Japanese sword-making.
The Kamakura period (11th-14th centuries) was marked by the establishment of a military government and the rising importance of the samurai in Japanese society. It was a time when sword-making saw significant advancements in both technique and aesthetics.
The Yamatorige was crafted during this period by the Fukuoka Ichimonji school in the province of Bizen (modern-day Okayama Prefecture), and is considered the pinnacle of Bizen swords. The name “Yamatorige,” meaning “Mountain Bird Feather,” derives from the blade’s pattern, or hamon (tempering line), which resembles delicate feathers formed during the tempering process.
In 1556, the Lord of Shirai Castle, Naga Noraga, gifted the Yamatorige to Ugi Kenin. Highly valued by Kenin, it became one of the 35 most prized swords of Ugi Kagekatsu, the adopted son of Kenshin and head of the Ugi clan. After World War II, the Yamatorige passed from the Ugi family to a sword enthusiast in Okayama Prefecture. In 1997, it was entrusted to the Okayama Prefectural Museum in the city of Satoi.
Recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance, the Yamatorige was designated a national treasure in Japan. As a result, the “Yamatorige Homecoming Project” was launched in November 2018 to repurchase the sword. On March 17, 2020, a purchase agreement was established with a private owner for a total amount of $5,000,000.
Currently, the Yamatorige is preserved and displayed at the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, serving as a tangible link to Japan’s historic past.
3. Yamanbagiri Kunihiro: 2,030,000 dollars
Sold for over 2 million dollars, this katana was crafted in the late 16th century during the turbulent Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period). This samurai sword embodies the spirit of an era marked by relentless warfare and the quest for power among Japan’s feudal lords.
Commissioned by the lord of the Ashikaga region, Nagao Akinaga, the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro was forged in 1590 as a replica of a sword made by the legendary Chōgi. Named after its maker, Kunihiro, who was not only a master swordsmith but also a dedicated samurai, the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro is one of the earliest known katanas, featuring authentic katana traits that would set the standard for future generations. Kunihiro’s reputation for crafting swords of unparalleled quality and durability was well-deserved, and his techniques and designs were studied and revered by swordsmiths even centuries later.
The dark history associated with the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro greatly contributes to its fame and value. The story of Ishihara Jinzaemon, a vassal of the Hōjō, and his gruesome encounter with the “yamanba” or “mountain witch” is steeped in the folklore and superstitions of the time. According to the legend, Ishihara Jinzaemon used this sword to kill the wicked witch who had murdered his newborn son. Naming the sword Yamanbagiri, which literally means “Mountain Witch Cutter,” after this event, imbues the blade with a dark allure and a sense of power over evil.
In 2017, the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro was exhibited at the Ashikaga City Museum and attracted an astonishing 38,000 visitors. Its fame only grew, and in July 2023, Ashikaga City and the Ashikaga Citizens’ Cultural Foundation announced plans to acquire this legendary sword. The sale, previously held by a private collector, was finalized in March 2024 for $2,030,000, and the katana is set to be displayed soon.
4. Okanehira tachi: 1,830,000 dollars
The Okanehira, a tachi sword forged by the renowned swordsmith Kanekira during the Heian Period (8th-12th centuries), was sold for 1,830,000 dollars.
The Heian Period is known for its contributions to Japanese culture and art, as well as the refinement of the imperial court. It was during this era that Kanekira crafted the Okanehira, incorporating elements that influenced the evolution of Japanese swords towards the iconic katana form. This period marks a pivotal chapter in the development of sword-making, and the Okanehira stands as a testament to these early innovations.
The history of the Okanehira is linked to Ikeda Terumasa, a high-ranking general under Oda Nobunaga. Its connection to key events, particularly the Battle of Sekigahara, which was decisive in Nobunaga’s efforts to unify Japan, adds significant historical value to the sword. The Battle of Sekigahara, in particular, was a turning point that led to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, marking the beginning of a long period of peace and stability in Japan.
Today, the Okanehira is revered and preserved in the Tokyo National Museum, where it is displayed alongside other swords recognized as masterpieces of Japanese art.
5. Kamakura Katana: 418,000 dollars
In 2013, this Kamakura katana was sold at auction for an astounding $418,000. Although the auction featured various Japanese artifacts, none generated as much excitement as this Kamakura sword.
Dr. Walter Ames Compton, a physician with a passion for collecting Japanese swords, owned this Kamakura among his extensive collection of over 1100 Japanese swords. After his death in 1992, his remarkable collection was auctioned in New York for over 8 million dollars, setting a record as the highest sale of katanas to date.
The name Masamune Goro Nyudo resonates with admiration and reverence in the world of katanas. By creating this Kamakura in the 13th century, Masamune’s work stands as the pinnacle of Japanese swordsmanship. It is estimated that only about six of his swords exist today, making them some of the rarest and most valuable Japanese swords in the world.
The Kamakura is not only prized for its craftsmanship and rarity but also for its historical significance. It is believed that this sword was used by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi in his famous duel against Sasaki Kojiro, a moment that holds iconic status in Japanese martial arts chronicles, adding to the sword’s mystique.
However, the sword’s story extends beyond that duel; it eventually came into the possession of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who founded the Tokugawa era. This additional layer of historical and political context elevates the Kamakura from a mere masterpiece to a tangible artifact of Japanese history.
The Kamakura is currently owned by an anonymous European private collector and is not publicly displayed. However, it is occasionally showcased in various museums and art galleries, providing enthusiasts and casual admirers with a unique opportunity to appreciate its craftsmanship and beauty up close.
6. Sosho Katana: 70,000 dollars
Another notable piece is the rare Sosho School Katana, which was sold for just under $70,000. This 14th-century masterpiece is attributed to Hasebe Kunishige, a student of the legendary Masamune. The sword is distinguished by its gold inlay bearing the maker’s name and is a relic from the Nanbokucho Period, a tumultuous era marked by competing imperial claims.
7. Etchu Norishige Sword: 24,000 dollars
One such treasure is the Etchu Norishige sword, which was sold for just $24,000 but holds immeasurable historical value. This 14th-century katana mysteriously disappeared from a collection after a samurai lord donated it to a shrine two thousand years ago. Created by Etchu Norishige, a revered Japanese blacksmith, it reappeared at an auction and was bought by an Australian bidder. It was later confirmed to be a national treasure of Japan.
8. Yamato Katana: 23,750 dollars
Not far behind in value is the 13th-century Yamato Katana, which was auctioned at Christie’s in 2007 for $23,750. This nearly 800-year-old sword, crafted by the Taima swordsmithing school, was initially estimated between $15,000 and $20,000, surprising everyone when it surpassed those expectations.
These swords, much like the Kamakura, are not just edged weapons but pieces of history, each with its own story to tell. Whether wielded by samurai in epic battles or kept sheathed as symbols of power and craftsmanship, their value goes far beyond their price. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend millions of dollars to own a Japanese sword; check out our authentic samurai swords.
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