Legendary & Historically Significant Katanas

These are swords famous from history, legend, or unique craftsmanship—extremely rare, often national treasures, and sometimes even lost.

Name	Period / Maker	What Makes It Rare/Significant
Honjō Masamune	13th‑14th century, forged by Masamune	Perhaps the most famous Japanese sword. It was passed down through generations of Tokugawa shoguns, but its location has been lost since the end of WWII. Its craftsmanship, reputation, and mystery make it legendary. Katana USA+2jpkatana.com+2
Kogarasu Maru (Little Crow / Kogarasumaru)	Nara to early Heian period; attributed to Amakuni	A unique transitional type sword (Kissaki Moroha Zukuri) that bridges earlier Chinese influences/chokutō style with later curved Japanese tachi/katana. It has a double‑edged tip region, which is extremely unusual. It’s held in the Imperial Collection. Wikipedia+2Katana USA+2
Dōjigiri Yasutsuna	Heian period; smith Yasutsuna	One of the “Five Swords Under Heaven” (天下五剣—Tenka Goken). Renowned not only for its age but its legendary status (used to slay the demon Shuten Dōji in legend). Extremely well preserved. Wikipedia+2Katana USA+2
Mikazuki Munechika	Heian period; Sanjō Munechika	Another of the Five Swords Under Heaven. Famous for its elegant curvature and revered craftsmanship. katanaswordart.com+2Katana Sword+2
Onimaru Kunitsuna	Heian period; Awataguchi/Osafune/Kunitsuna school	Also a National Treasure. Numerous legends are attached to it. Rare in part because of its age, belonging to a prominent swordsmith line, and its significance to shrines/imperial/household collections. Katana Sword+1
Muramasa blades	16th century; school of Sengo Muramasa	Not one single sword, but swords from Muramasa are rare and feared. They carry lots of folklore of being cursed or bloodthirsty, which raises both their cultural value and mystique. Many have been lost or destroyed. jpkatana.com+2Katana USA+2
Kusanagi‑no‑Tsurugi	Mythic / Legend; part of the Imperial Regalia	Technically it’s a mythic/legendary blade rather than a confirmed extant piece. Still incredibly rare in terms of being searingly symbolic in Japanese culture. jpkatana.com

Collectible Antique Katanas & Rare Auction Pieces

These are blades that are not just famous or mythic but known from more recent history or auctions—very rare in terms of ownership and availability.

Blade / Example	Period / Maker / School	Notes on Rarity or Price
Yamato Katana (Taima school, 13th century)	Kamakura period, Taima school	Sold at Christie’s in 2007 for ~$23,750. Very old, well-preserved, scarce. Most Expensive Archive+2Katana+2
Rare Sosho School Katana (Hasebe Kunishige, student of Masamune)	Muromachi period	Sold for around $69,000 at auction. The association with Masamune’s lineage, age, and decorative features make it highly collectible. Most Expensive Archive+1
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Sword by Gassan Sadayoshi	Late Edo / mid‑19th century (Bunkyū era)	Certified by NBTHK (Japanese sword preservation society). One such sword sold for ~$32,500. The school is renowned, and certified works in excellent condition are rare.

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