Which is the most expensive katana in the world?
Japanese katana are generally regarded as the most expensive swords in the world. Many historical Nihonto are considered priceless, but even those produced today Shinsakuto are extremely exclusive. They are traditional swords that have been used by the Japanese samurai since the beginning of the Muromachi period. Katana are made from the finest materials and are considered to be the sharpest and most exquisite swords. Over the centuries, they have acquired an impressive historical development made through.
125 of these weapons have even been declared Juyounkabazai - culturally significant - and included in the list of Japan's national treasures. It is illegal to sell or export these swords out of Japan. Also, the Japanese government has the privilege of buying these swords at a "fair" market price once they are available on the open market. For this reason, historical katana are considered extremely rare or almost non-existent on the open market and therefore unaffordable. Many exclusive pieces will probably never appear on the open market again, such as the legendary, lost sword Honjo Masamune.
The Compton Collection
The most expensive katana ever sold at auction was part of the collection of the physician Dr Walter Ames Compton. He had started collecting swords in the early 1930s.
In 1992, two years after his death, Christie's auction house in New York auctioned off the Compton collection of around 1,100 Japanese swords. The auction of the first swords in the collection realised an impressive 8 million dollars on the first day of the auction.
The most expensive katana of the day was a Kamakura blade from the 13th century, which an anonymous European collector bought for $418,000. This corresponds to a current value of over 719,000 $ (more than €679,000).
This sword is therefore the most expensive samurai sword sold outside Japan whose sale is documented.
Why certain swords are so expensive and why the Honjo Masamune would probably be the most expensive sword in the world:
How much does a Katana cost today?
Authentic, handmade katana from Japan can easily cost between €10,000 and €50,000 and more. The main factor for the price is the craftsmanship of the sword. This is why some contemporary pieces also command high prices. Like the customised pieces by Yoshindo Yoshihara.
If you are enthusiastic about the pure form and functionality of these swords, you will find modern and much cheaper examples in our Shop. You can get models like this one for less than 400 euros:
