The samurai long sword -- or "katana" -- has a cultural resonance throughout Japan, a symbol of its history. This 13th-century samurai sword was sold by Christies New York in 1992 for $418,000.
The samurai long sword -- or "katana" -- has a cultural resonance throughout Japan, a symbol of its history. This 13th-century samurai sword was sold by Christies New York in 1992 for $418,000.
Courtesy Christies Images Ltd
Pictured, short and long swords with matching koshirae (fittings) produced by 17th century master swordsmith Echigo no Kami Kanesada.
Pictured, short and long swords with matching koshirae (fittings) produced by 17th century master swordsmith Echigo no Kami Kanesada.
Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
The unique fittings have a samurai warrior theme.
The unique fittings have a samurai warrior theme.
Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
The production process includes repeatedly folding steel, which gives the swords their legendary strength.
The production process includes repeatedly folding steel, which gives the swords their legendary strength.
Shunsuke Okashita
Mapping a typical sword's characteristics.
Mapping a typical sword's characteristics.
Unique Japan
Swords can be maintained for centuries through careful polishing, as demonstrated here by British expert Paul Martin.
Swords can be maintained for centuries through careful polishing, as demonstrated here by British expert Paul Martin.
The Japanese Sword
In Japan, over 100 swords have national treasure status, including this 13th Century katana produced by Masamune, recognized as the greatest smith of all time.
In Japan, over 100 swords have national treasure status, including this 13th Century katana produced by Masamune, recognized as the greatest smith of all time.
Wiki commons
Dagger produced by 13th century grandmaster Rai Kunitoshi, who produced several blades now classified as national treasures.
Dagger produced by 13th century grandmaster Rai Kunitoshi, who produced several blades now classified as national treasures.
Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
The samurai sword of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, commander of the Japanese troops in the Philippines during World War II. It rests on the Philippine Surrender Document.
The samurai sword of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, commander of the Japanese troops in the Philippines during World War II. It rests on the Philippine Surrender Document.
Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images
Samurai remain popular in their homeland, as with the reconstruction of former "Samurai town," Kyushu.
Samurai remain popular in their homeland, as with the reconstruction of former "Samurai town," Kyushu.
Virginia Lau/CNN