Buzz
There are only 180 Samurai swordsmiths left worldwide. Therefore, the value of the swords they craft continues to rise.
Among the many high-value collectibles favored by the ultra-rich worldwide, Samurai swords are now considered one of the most promising items, with continuously record-breaking prices. Embraced by both enthusiasts and collectors, Samurai swords represent the enduring art of Japanese sword forging.
Not everyone can forge a Samurai sword. It's estimated that there are only about 180 swordsmiths worldwide with the full skills to craft one. Each sword is unique, forged from folded layers of steel to produce a distinctive blade with unmatched patterns. In the modern era, when the purpose as a weapon is no longer suitable, these swords have become works of art. They are even regarded as symbols of status and ideal investment pieces for the wealthy.
1. Samurai Tachi - $100 million ~ over 2.351 trillion Vietnamese Dong
Samurai Tachi holds the title of the most expensive Japanese sword ever crafted. Originally owned by Lord Fukushima Masanori, a renowned daimyo in Japanese history, he lived in the 16th century.
The Tachi sword has endured countless battles alongside Fukushima Masanori and remains intact to this day. For this reason, it is considered a masterpiece representing the pinnacle of sword craftsmanship as well as having an intriguing historical story.
2. Kamakura Katana - $418,000 ~ 9.8 billion Vietnamese Dong
The Kamakura katana is a sword crafted during the Kamakura period, described as the golden age of sword making.
The Kamakura sword was purchased in 1992, part of Dr. Walter Ames Compton's sword collection, with the blade estimated to be from the 13th century. According to records, only 125 similar Kamakura katana swords were ever crafted, but not all of them are in good condition like the sword in the collection.
Researchers believe this katana originates from the Taima sword school, where many thin swords were crafted. A characteristic of swords from this school is that they lack names, as swordsmiths rarely inscribe their names on these swords.
3. Shoshu Katana - $69,000 ~ 1.6 billion Vietnamese Dong
Through the dates and the name of the craftsman engraved on the sword, it can be proven that the Shoshu katana originated from the Nanbokucho period of the 14th century. The sword was crafted by a master swordsmith living in Kyoto during this period. He is believed to be Hasebe Kunishige, a swordsman at the Sosho dojo and also the disciple of the master swordsman Masamune.
4. Tokubetsu Hozon Katana - $32,000 ~ 752 million Vietnamese Dong
This Tokubetsu katana was crafted by the swordsmith Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi in the late Edo period. Until now, it still retains its historical value due to the inscriptions on the blade.
Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi was an excellent swordsmith who studied at the Gassan dojo, founded in Japan in the 12th century. This dojo is not only known for training legendary swordsmiths but also for producing excellent quality katana swords with extremely high prices.
5. Ko-Mihara Kantana - $29,000 ~ 6.8 billion Vietnamese Dong
Based on the appraisal and inscriptions on the blade, it is believed to date back approximately 600 years. When excavated, the sword still bears traces of a battle between many samurai.
