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Japanese Swords

The Japanese have been perfecting the art of sword making since the 1st century A.D., and traditional sword makers in Japan are legendary. Japanese swords are prized for their grace, efficiency, and excellent craftsmanship.

The most sought after Japanese swords are those that were created during the 10th to 16th centuries when horseback warfare was most common. The curvature of the samurai sword as developed after the 10th century allowed for the cutting of an opponent while in motion.

The most well known Japanese sword is the katana. This curved long sword only has one blade, and was used by samurai during the 15th century and beyond. Other long Japanese swords include tsurugi and ken, which are double-edged and straight. These kinds of swords were only made prior to the 10th century.

The wakizashi is a sword that samurai wore with their katanas. This sword is much smaller and can be used single handedly, unlike long swords that require two hands. Japanese swords like these became well known for the complexity of the metals used to construct the swords, as well as the intricate folding of metal to form the flexible yet sharp and resilient blade.


Quick Facts

  • Contemporary Japanese swords as well as those made during the Heian period are often found through auctions or dealers. However, today's Japanese swords tend to either lack an edge or be made of brittle steel
  • In Japan, swords are not merely weapons but deified objects to revere. It is believed that the sword contains the soul of the samurai and therefore possesses special powers
  • Modern day swords are not considered weapons, but rather art objects. Still, in order to legally own a Japanese sword, one must obtain the appropriate certification

Recommended Items at Auction

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Samurai Sword
Feb 13, 10:00 AM EST
Samurai Sword
by New England Auctions
Est: $250- $500
$5007 Bids
Very FINE Japanese Nicely Mounted Signed/Papered Samurai Wakizashi
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
Very FINE Japanese Nicely Mounted Signed/Papered Samurai Wakizashi
by ZevAntiques
Est: $1,600- $2,500
$1,7006 Bids
Good Japanese KOTO Samurai Signed WAKIZASHI Sword.
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
Good Japanese KOTO Samurai Signed WAKIZASHI Sword.
by ZevAntiques
Est: $800- $1,200
$5503 Bids
Wakizashi Sword
Feb 13, 10:00 AM EST
Wakizashi Sword
by New England Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$752 Bids
Three Scabbards
Feb 13, 10:00 AM CST
Three Scabbards
by New Orleans Auction Galleries
Est: $50- $75
$102 Bids
A Group of Japanese Objects, Including Bokuto
Feb 16, 12:00 PM EST
A Group of Japanese Objects, Including Bokuto
by Locati LLC
Est: $500- $800
$2501 Bid
Fine Japanese EDO Samurai WAKIZASHI Sword.
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
Fine Japanese EDO Samurai WAKIZASHI Sword.
by ZevAntiques
Est: $800- $1,200
$4001 Bid
Showa Period Wakisashi
Feb 13, 10:00 AM CST
Showa Period Wakisashi
by New Orleans Auction Galleries
Est: $150- $300
$1001 Bid
Unique And Highly Desirable Yoroi-doshi Kunitsugu Signed Wedge Shaped Armor Piercing Tanto
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
Unique And Highly Desirable Yoroi-doshi Kunitsugu Signed Wedge Shaped Armor Piercing Tanto
by ZevAntiques
Est: $1,500- $2,500
$8001 Bid
Collection of four Japanese swords (*)
Feb 11, 10:00 AM CET
Collection of four Japanese swords (*)
by Veilinghuis Loeckx
Est: €350- €500
€1601 Bid
Japanese Sword Cane, C. 20th C., L 30.5"
Feb 13, 11:00 AM EST
Japanese Sword Cane, C. 20th C., L 30.5"
by DuMouchelles
Est: $75- $125
$301 Bid
ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY JAPANESE GIMEI SIGNED HAND MADE CUTDOWN WAKAZASHI 18” BLADE SAMURAI SHORT SWORD
Mar 01, 9:00 AM MST
ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY JAPANESE GIMEI SIGNED HAND MADE CUTDOWN WAKAZASHI 18” BLADE SAMURAI SHORT SWORD
by Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions
Est: $600- $1,000
$3000 Bids
Signed Japanese Military Sword
Feb 21, 9:00 AM CST
Signed Japanese Military Sword
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $1,100- $1,600
$8000 Bids
TANTO AUS BEIN.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM CET
TANTO AUS BEIN.
by Auktionshaus Wendl
Est: €0- €0
€800 Bids
Japanese Military Sword
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
Japanese Military Sword
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$7500 Bids
Japanese Police Short Sword; Gilt Bronze & Steel
Feb 16, 10:15 AM EST
Japanese Police Short Sword; Gilt Bronze & Steel
by Eddie's Auction
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
EARLY EDO JAPANESE ANCESTRAL SWORD IN GUNTO MOUNT
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
EARLY EDO JAPANESE ANCESTRAL SWORD IN GUNTO MOUNT
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$5000 Bids
Japanese EDO Samurai Wakizashi Signed HEIANJO YASUNOBU. Tsuba Signed KUNIHIRO
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
Japanese EDO Samurai Wakizashi Signed HEIANJO YASUNOBU. Tsuba Signed KUNIHIRO
by ZevAntiques
Est: $1,200- $1,600
$7500 Bids
JAPANESE WAKIZASHI SHORT SWORD, W/ KOZUKA & SCABBARD
Feb 13, 8:00 AM PST
JAPANESE WAKIZASHI SHORT SWORD, W/ KOZUKA & SCABBARD
by Scollard Auctions
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$6000 Bids
Japanese Sukesada Samurai Wakizashi, NBTHK Tsuba
Mar 01, 11:00 AM EST
Japanese Sukesada Samurai Wakizashi, NBTHK Tsuba
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $500- $15,000
$5000 Bids
Antique 19th C Japanese Samurai Fine Tanto
Mar 01, 11:00 AM EST
Antique 19th C Japanese Samurai Fine Tanto
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $400- $15,000
$4000 Bids
A bone-mounted wakizashi
Feb 14, 2:00 PM CET
A bone-mounted wakizashi
by Czerny's International Auction House
Est: €150- €250
€1500 Bids
Signed Japanese Sword
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
Signed Japanese Sword
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $1,300- $1,800
$9500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Japanese Swords


Rock Island Auction Company

Rock Island Auction Company

New Orleans Auction Galleries

New Orleans Auction Galleries

Kavanagh Auctions

Kavanagh Auctions