10 Most Expensive Samurai Swords
With a history that is full of eras with no shortage of bloodshed and strife, it is no surprise that the blacksmiths of Japan produced some of the most advanced and deadly weapons of their time.
Many of these hold up to this day in regards to the beauty and finesse of their craftsmanship. Between this and the historical significance held by the samurai swords of old, it comes as no surprise that many of them have been sold and purchased for ludicrous amounts of money. Today, we’ll be taking a look at ten of these blades.
10. Yamato Katana (23,750 USD)
Crafted by the Taima school of swordsmiths, this blade goes back to the 13th century. Rather than being a singular blade, the Yamato Katana is in fact a particular design which was mass produced in its time, much like the Kamura, each holding notable historical significance.
Originally valued between the 15,000 to 20,000 USD range, the Yamato Katana was auctioned at Chrisie’s in 2007 for a staggering 23,750 dollars, surprising all who had previously estimated its value.
9. Etchu Norishige Sword (24,000 USD)
Forged by the revered Japanese swordsmith it was named after, the Etchu Norishige sword is a 14th century katana with a particularly interesting and mysterious history along with immense historical value.
After being gifted to a shrine by a Samura Lord several centuries ago, the blade mysteriously disappeared with no trace, becoming a topic of much debate.
It was only in recent times that this sword resurfaced at an auction, surprising many. At said auction, the blade was acquired by an Australian bidder for a surprising 24,000 dollars. Though not priced much higher than the Yamato, the blade has since been confirmed as a National Treasure of Japan, undoubtedly raising its value even more.
8. Sosho Katana (70,000 USD)
This next entry, the incredibly rare Katana of the Sosho School, is a massive leap in price from the previous entries, being valued at an incredible 70,000 dollars. A masterpiece from the 14th century, this blade is believed to be a creation of Hasebe Kunishige, one of the disciples of none other than the legendary smith, Goro Nyudo Masamune.
Between its connection to the legend himself, its gold inlay displaying the designer’s name and its status as a relic traceable all the way back to the Nanbokucho Period, it is no surprise that this blade is valued as highly as it is.
7. Kamura Katana (418,000 USD)
The Kamura is a katana that dates back to the 13th century. More notable however, is its creator. This Katana was forged by none other than Masamune himself, one who inspires awe and reverence in all who practice the art of the blade and forging.
Having been wielded by many notable historical figures such as Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding shogun of the Tokugawa era, the blade holds an incredibly rich history and makes it a highly significant Japanese artefact.
That, along with the fact that it is one of only 6 surviving Masamune blades, means it comes as no surprise that the blade was sold in 2013 for almost half a million dollars. Valued at exactly 418,000 USD, the blade is currently in the possession of an anonymous European private collector.
6. Okanehira Tachi (1,830,000 USD)
The Okanehira is a tachi sword forged all the way back in the Heian era. Created by the esteemed swordsmith, Kanekira, the blade holds immense cultural and historical significance as the Heian Period is one that held innumerable contributions to Japanese culture and the refinement of the Imperial Court.
This blade is one that signaled the evolution of Japanese swords to the more recognized form we now see katana in.
Being a symbol of the evolution of the Katana as a whole and having links to Oda Nobunaga’s top generals, it’s only natural that the Okanehira, sold for a whopping 1,830,000 dollars, is now stored in the Tokyo National Museum, a testament to the rich history it symbolizes.
5. Yamaubagiri Kunihiro (2,030,000 USD)
This blade was forged in the late 16th century during what is now known as the Sengoku Jidai, or Age of Warring States.
Commissioned by a regional lord, the blade was meant to be a copy of another blade by the legendary Chogi. Despite its origins as a duplicate however, the Yamaubagiri Kunihiro is still one of the earliest known swords of the “katana-style” and was one of the ones to set the standard of all such blades for generations after.
Apart from its masterful craftsmanship, the blade’s value is also largely due to a morbid fable attributed to it. Supposedly, this blade was wielded by a vassal of the Hojo to slay a mountain crone, thus its name which translates to “Mountain Crone Cutter”.
With all that taken into consideration, the blade was sold for no less than a full 2 million dollars to a private collector in Tokyo, whose collection the blade still resides in today.
4. Yamatorige Katana (San-cho-mo) (5,000,000 USD)
Sold for no less than 5 million dollars, the Yamatorige is a physical representation of the peak of Samurai culture as a whole and the craftsmanship that is a key element of Japanese sword making.
Forged during the Kamakura Period, which was a time of significant military advancements and the rise of the samurais’ prominence, the blade was one of many that was made using significant advancements in the technique and aesthetics of forging.
With the combination of its historical significance and the symbolism of the zenith of the Samurai, the blade is a recognized National Treasure in Japan and sits proudly in the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum.
3. Dojigiri Yasutsuna Sword (15,000,000)
With several titles bestowed upon it, such as one of the “Tenka Goken”, “Yokozuna of all Japanese Swords”, and National Treasure of Japan, the Dojigir Yasutsuna is a sword that holds an incredibly rich history.
Having spent time in the possession of the likes of Oda Nobunaga, multiple generations of the Tokugawa Shogun and even the Daimyo of Echizen, this blade’s historical significance cannot be understated.
Presently, it resides in the Tokyo National Museum, with its value estimated to be a mind boggling 15 million USD.
2. Tachi of Sanemori (20,000,000 USD)
Crafted by Sanemori, a famous swordsmith of the Heian era, this blade is known for its immense beauty, masterful craftsmanship and historical significance. Though not much more is known about it, the blade’s visual beauty alone plays a part in the astronomically high 20 million dollar value that it is estimated to rest at.
1. Fukushima Masanori Tachi (100,000,000 USD)
The Fukushima Masanori, named after a prominent daimyo of the Sengoku and early Edo periods, is the single most expensive samurai sword in the world. It was wielded by said daimyo, who was known for his bravery and military prowess, as he fought alongside Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan.
As such, this tachi is not only valued for the beauty of its steel, distinct hamon and intricate engravings, but also for being a symbol of Masanori’s status, strength and martial skill.
The Fukushima Masanori Tachi was part of the most extraordinary transaction to ever take place in the field of Japanese antiques, being sold for a hundred million dollars.