Gojo Kuninaga (五条国永) is regarded as one of the representative smiths among the old Kyoto makers (ko-Kyomono). He is traditionally said to have been either a son or a grandson of Munechika, and together with Kanenaga -- variously transmitted as his elder brother or his father -- he resided at the Gojo district of Kyoto. Among the best-known works bearing his name is the Imperial treasure Tsurumaru Kuninaga. Only a small number of signed and survive, and the notes that his signatures are not uniform across extant examples, though all display an archaic elegance and a richly suggestive style. Some unsigned works also strongly exhibit a Yamato-style character while retaining what the examiners describe as "the lingering manner (ifu) of Munechika."
The characteristic workmanship of Kuninaga centers on a tightly forged mixed with or a tendency toward , producing fine-textured, refined steel. Dense blankets the surface, enters well, and in places stands out, yielding excellent clarity. The is based on or , actively intermixing , , and angular () elements. The tends toward tight and is bright and clear, with well-adhering . Along the temper appear , uchi-noke, and -like , while within the pattern frequent and produce rich internal activity. Small and intermittent are encountered, variations noted as characteristic of the old Kyoto makers. The bosshi typically shows tone with vigorous , or enters with and a pointed turn-back.
The consistently characterizes Kuninaga's production as possessing "an assured dignity" in which the predominant character remains a well-ordered typical of Kyoto work, even as antiquarian elements are incorporated. Works preserving a graceful, slender form suggestive of the -buri style are praised for their classical elegance. The rarity of signed works is repeatedly emphasized, conferring exceptional documentary value upon each surviving example. As a smith whose lineage descends directly from the tradition, Kuninaga occupies a pivotal position among the earliest Yamashiro makers, bridging the archaic manner of Munechika and the refined aesthetic of the Kyoto school.