From designer watches to luxury sports cars, the super rich have long been fans of collecting expensive items that are designed to stand the test of time. While some fully intend to enjoy wearing, using and showing off their purchases, for others, such items are seen as savvy long term investments, and ones that could go on to become family heirlooms passed down through the generations or bring in a tidy profit later on.
Many experienced investors have been known to make millions by selling them on at a profit in years to come – with fine wines, whiskies, jewellery and even samurai swords all popular choices amongst collectors and investors alike.
The Japanese samurai sword is, without a doubt, the most well-known sword today – and it also happens to be one of the most expensive. Sought after by lay folk and sword enthusiasts alike, samurais are a glittering example of the ancient Japanese sword-making tradition, which goes back centuries and continues on to this day, and with each sword meticulously handcrafted and taking over 18 months to finish, it’s perhaps unsurprising that each can be worth many thousands of dollars.
Samurai swords can’t be made by just anyone, and today, there are only 180 sword makers across Japan who are considered skilled enough to create them. Each sword is entirely unique, with layer upon layer of steel folded together to form the finished blade and creating a one-of-a-kind pattern – and while samurai swords might appear to be little more than weapons, they are also seen as unique works of art that have held spiritual significance through the ages. Even today, they are viewed as status symbols, making them the perfect collectors’ item or investment for the wealthy.
And you certainly do need to be wealthy to own one of the very finest samurai swords. If you’re wondering how much you can pay for one of the finest examples of Japanese sword making, then these are five of the most expensive ever to have sold.
The world’s most expensive samurai swords
1. Samurai Tachi – $100,000,000
This samurai tachi is the most expensive Japanese sword ever to have been made, and once belonged to the great Fukushima Masanori – one of Japan’s most renowned daimyo (a vassal of the shogun) that lived in the 16th century (1561 to 1624 AD).
Fukushima Masanori was dubbed as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake – a battle during which he was the first person to draw blood. He fought in many wars over the course of his life, one of the most notable being the Battle of Chungju in 1592, when the Japanese invaded Korea.
This tachi that had gone through countless battles is still in perfect shape today. For this reason, it remains an authentic masterpiece crafted with a high-quality blade – and with such a rich history behind it, what better sword to add to your collection?
2. Kamakura Katana – $418,000
The Kamakura katana is a Japanese sword produced during the Kamakura period, described as the golden age of sword making.
Bought in 1992 from Dr. Walter Ames Compton‘s sword collection, the blade on this sword is said to have been around since the 13th century, making it one of the oldest katanas discovered that has stood the test of time. From records, there are only 125 Kamakura katanas proven to exist, but few are in anywhere near such good condition.
Historians believe that this katana came from the Taima school of sword making, where many thin blades were produced, having been commissioned by monks and left nameless, because swordsmiths rarely inscribed their names on these pieces.
3. Soshu Katana – $69,000
The Soshu katana originated from the Nanbokucho period (a period when two families fought for the Japanese imperial throne) in the 14th century, which is evidenced by the date inscribed on the blade. Aside from this, its authenticity is also confirmed by the gold inscription of its creator’s name.
After examination of the blade by experts, it was discovered that this rare katana was manufactured by a Japanese master swordsmith who lived in a city known today as Kyoto. This swordsmith was believed to be Hasebe Kunishige, a trainee at Sosho School and was once a pupil under the master swordsmith Masamune during the middle ages.
Hasebe Kunishige was one of the best sword creators of all time and is revered as a legendary figure in Japanese history.
4. Tokubetsu Hozon Antique Katana – $32,000
This Tokubetsu katana was produced in the latter years of the Edo era by swordsmith Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi, and is a magnificent masterpiece that has continued to hold its worth, with its authenticity evident through the inscriptions on the blade.
Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi is an excellent swordsmith who studied in the school of Gassan, established in Japan during the 12th century. The school is known for many revered swordsmiths creating high-quality katanas sold at a high price.
5. Ko-Mihara Antique Japanese Katana – $29,000
Based on the appraisal and the inscription on its blade, the katana is believed to be around 600 years old, and it is said that the land where it was unearthed showed signs of battles involving countless samurai warriors.
The Ko-Mihara (also Ko Mihara) katana is a sword produced in a school of the same name, Ko-Mihara, which was located in the province of Bingo, in today’s Hiroshima prefecture. According to recent studies, the school dates back to the late 14th century.
