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Early on, Masamune mimicked the distinctive tempering pattern of Kunimitsu's blades, a style known as Sôshûmono after Sagami province (''Sôshû'') where they were made, and perfected or completed that style.

Early on, Masamune mimicked the distinctive tempering pattern of Kunimitsu's blades, a style known as Sôshûmono after Sagami province (''Sôshû'') where they were made, and perfected or completed that style.

Most of Masamune's blades bear no inscription. Only four ''[[tanto|tantô]]'' by Masamune are extant which feature markings. These are known as "[[Fudo|Fudô]] Masamune," "[[Daikoku]] Masamune," "Kyôgoku Masamune," and "Honsô Masamune."

Several of Masamune's blades are today considered [[National Treasures]]; these have names such as "Kanze Masamune" and "Hôchô Masamune." Most of his swords, however, bear no inscription. Only four ''[[tanto|tantô]]'' by Masamune which feature markings are extant. These are known as "[[Fudo|Fudô]] Masamune," "[[Daikoku]] Masamune," "Kyôgoku Masamune," and "Honsô Masamune."

Though today often referred to as the greatest master of all Japanese master swordsmiths, it was not until the [[Azuchi-Momoyama period]] (late 16th century), when [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] made a habit of giving Masamune blades as formal gifts, that he came to be regarded as such.

Though today often referred to as the greatest master of all Japanese master swordsmiths, it was not until the [[Azuchi-Momoyama period]] (late 16th century), when [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] made a habit of giving Masamune blades as formal gifts, that he came to be regarded as such.

Masamune is buried at [[Hongaku-ji]], a temple in [[Kamakura]]. In addition to a rounded gravestone over the presumed site of his actual grave, a monument in his honor stands near the entrance to the temple's cemetery.

Masamune is buried at [[Hongaku-ji]], a temple in [[Kamakura]]. In addition to a rounded gravestone over the presumed site of his actual grave, a monument in his honor stands near the entrance to the temple's cemetery.

==References==

==References==

*"[http://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%AD%A3%E5%AE%97 Masamune]." ''Asahi Nihon rekishi jinbutsu jiten''. Asahi Shimbun Co.

*"[http://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%AD%A3%E5%AE%97 Masamune]." ''Asahi Nihon rekishi jinbutsu jiten''. Asahi Shimbun Co.

[[Category:Kamakura Period]]

[[Category:Kamakura Period]]

[[Category:Artists and Artisans]]

[[Category:Artists and Artisans]]