Unshige (also read Kumoshige) belonged to the Ukan school of Province, a group of swordsmiths -- including Unsho as founder, followed by Unji and Unshige -- who resided at Ukan-sho in from the late period through the period. Because "Ukan" was later also written "Ukai," the lineage is referred to as the Ukan school or ""; and since their names characteristically incorporate the character (cloud), they are collectively called the Unrui ("cloud group"). According to sword reference works, Unshige was the son of the second-generation Unsho and is placed as active around the Joji era (1362-1368), with dated works extending from the Bunwa and periods through the Teiji era, succeeding Unsho and Unji as the principal mid- figure of the group.
The workmanship of the Unrui is described as "distinctive within production" and of "particularly strong individuality." Within a fundamentally temperament, some pieces share the flavor of Kyoto's tradition, others evoke the neighboring school of , and still others incorporate a pronounced Yamato character -- "altogether displaying considerable variety." Unshige's forging shows mixed with , often with and a tendency toward ; thickly adhering and fine are standard, and or frequently appears, while the steel often takes on a somewhat blackish tone mixed with a mottled -like texture. His is typically -based with an extremely shallow , mixed with and ; the temper is characteristically with , and the tends toward tightness or, in some pieces, toward (a subdued quality). Activities such as , uchi-noke, , , and appear with notable frequency. The often enters with vigorous , not infrequently ending in .
The consistently characterizes Unshige's works as blending " tradition workmanship with an added flavor" and praises their "imposing, spirited presence" and "vigorous, heroic" . His -period constructions -- wide , thick , and enlarged -- convey "great power and forcefulness." Signed examples bearing Teiji dates are valued not only for their quality but as documentary material of high importance. Among works attributed to the Unrui, those appraised as Unshige are regularly commended for retaining abundant (blade flesh) and for their rich internal activities, making him the school's most prominent and prolific representative.