Samurai swords are surely the most famous swords within the international these days – and they may be also most of the maximum luxurious.
The historic Japanese swordmaking tradition of samurai, which dates returned centuries and continues to these days, is well-liked with the aid of lay folks and sword enthusiasts alike, and with every sword meticulously hand made and taking over 18 months to finish, it’s far perhaps not surprising that each may be worth hundreds of dollars.
Today, only 180 sword makers in Japan are considered skilled enough to make samurai swords. Even though each samurai sword is unique, it is also seen as a unique work of art that has held spiritual significance throughout the ages – layers of steel are folded together to create a unique pattern that creates an impressive blade.
Today, they are still viewed as status symbols, making them ideal investments for the wealthy or collectors.
The best samurai swords can most effective be owned by means of the very wealthy. Here are some of the maximum costly Japanese swords ever sold if you’re thinking what they’re really worth.
Tachi samurai
In the 16th century (1561-1624), Fukushima Masanori, one of Japan’s most renowned daimyos (vassals of the shogun), owned this samurai tachi, the most expensive sword ever made.
As the first person to draw blood during the Shizugatake battle, Fukushima Masanori was referred to as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake. During his lifetime, he fought in many wars, including the Battle of Chungju in 1592, when the Japanese invaded Korea.
Even after numerous battles, this tachi remains in perfect condition. Thus, this sword remains an authentic masterpiece with a high-quality blade – and what better sword to add to your collection than one with such a rich history—interested in knowing its price? Well, hold your breath tight! Today, it costs a whopping hundred million dollars!
Kamakura Katana
Number two on our list of most expensive katanas is the legendary Kamakura katana. It is a Japanese sword produced during the Kamakura period, described as the golden age of sword making.
One of the oldest katanas discovered, this sword was bought in 1992 from Dr. Walter Ames Compton’s sword collection. It is estimated that only 125 Kamakura katanas exist, but only some are as well preserved as this one.
Historically, this katana was made at the Taima school of swordmaking, where many thin blades were commissioned by monks but left nameless since swordsmiths rarely inscribed their names on these blades. This legendary blade price is well in the expected range of $400000, give or take (still way above any ordinary buyer’s range, to be honest!)
Soshu Katana
By the date engraved on the blade, the Soshu katana is believed to have been made during the Nanbokucho period (when two families fought for the Japanese throne) in the 14th century. Additionally, its gold inscription confirms its authenticity by naming its creator.
This rare katana was manufactured by a Japanese master swordsmith living in Kyoto, according to an expert examination of the blade.
It comes with a price tag of $70k.
Authentic Ko-Mihara Japanese Katana
The katana’s blade is engraved with a date of 600 years, and the land where it was discovered showed evidence of battles fought by countless samurai warriors.
This katana is made by a school named Ko-Mihara in Hiroshima’s province of Bingo. According to recent studies, the school dates back to the late 14th century. This collector’s item is inexpensive, priced at under $30000.
Final Take
These katanas are well-preserved collector’s items and are expensive for a reason. Apart from their age and origin, these katanas are fully functional to this day; it further sparks the interest of collectors and katana enthusiasts. Today, many excellent replicas of katana for sale and other new-age katana swords are considered the closest to Japanese katana
Read more on KulFiy