Unsho (雲生) resided at Ukan-no-sho in Province from the late period into the period. Together with Unji and Unshige, he formed the nucleus of the group known as the Unrui ("cloud group") or , so called because each smith incorporated the character "" (雲, cloud) into his name. Sword reference works place the first generation around the Kengen era (1302-1303) and the second generation around the Kenmu era (1334-1338). No dated works by Unsho himself survive, but his period of activity is inferred from dated examples by Unji -- who, according to the , was the son of the first-generation Unsho -- bearing era dates of Showa, Bunpo, and Kenmu. One theory further records that the first-generation Unshige was the son of the first-generation Unji.
The workmanship of the Unrui differs in certain respects from the products of the time: within the tradition, Yamashiro-style elements are intermingled, and the group also shows no small degree of influence from the school of neighboring Bicchu Province. For this reason, they may be regarded as a distinctive presence among works. Unsho's forging characteristically displays or mixed with , at times tending toward standing grain (), with fine adhering thickly in fine particles and delicate . A hallmark of the group is a dark, mottled or -- described by commentators as resembling the impression of a fingertip pressed against the surface. The steel color tends toward a somewhat blackish tone. The is typically -based, mixed with , , and angular elements, often with a reverse tendency (); and enter, are conspicuous, and the tends toward tightness with , , and . The characteristically does not become pointed but instead shows a tendency toward or -- a distinguishing feature that separates Unsho from work even when other aspects suggest that school's influence. Many works show a comparatively low temper with somewhat quiet activity; however, other examples display a broader with prominent and and strongly adhering , in a manner that connects to Unji. The pronounced curvature preserved even in shortened blades is also recognized as characteristic of the group.
The consistently characterize Unsho as occupying a position of singular interest within the tradition, noting that his style shares an affinity with Kyoto's works as well as with the neighboring school -- a convergence of influences that makes the Unrui an idiosyncratic presence among smiths. Works in which the possesses a moist, lustrous quality (), the is bright and clear, and the internal activity of , , , and is rewarding to observe are singled out as especially fine. His blades are praised for their calm, elegant, and refined manner of expression, conveying what the examiners term a miyabi (refined) atmosphere together with a sense of dignity and strength.