Motoshige of the group in Province represents a line of smiths distinct from Kanemitsu and Chogi. According to old tradition, Morishige was the son of Moriie, and Morishige's son was Motoshige. Dated works surviving from his hand span from the Showa era at the end of the period through Joji in the mid- period -- a productive arc of roughly forty years from about 1312 through 1368 -- and within this range there is also a theory that recognizes the existence of a first and second generation, though no established consensus has been reached as to where the boundary between them should be placed. He is counted among the makers of Soden- alongside Kanemitsu and Chogi; however, the majority of his extant works fundamentally express the tradition, and comparatively few display -style characteristics to the degree as those of his contemporaries. An exception is the transmitted in the Shimazu family (Important Cultural Property), in which the in both and is strong and and stand out, giving marked emphasis to the manner. His manner, according to old transmitted writings, is said to resemble Kagemitsu and Kanemitsu, or alternatively works of the group -- a dual affinity that constitutes one of the principal points of connoisseurial interest for this smith and his lineage.
In forging, Motoshige's characteristically shows mixed with and flowing , with a tendency toward (standing grain); adheres thickly, enters frequently, and a mottled -like texture is intermingled, while or stands out distinctly. The steel may show a somewhat blackish tone. In the , angular is the dominant motif and is conspicuous throughout, often mixed with , , , and ; the temper line tends overall toward (a reverse-slanting inclination), and within the hardened area one observes activities such as and . The ranges from tight and to deeper formations with , and may be bright and clear (). , , and appear with frequency, and in vigorous examples and uchi-noke are also intermingled. The characteristically enters in and becomes pointed at the tip -- a feature that, together with the flowing grain and -like forging, suggests what the repeatedly terms "an temperament." At its most spirited, the may take on a flame-like (-style) appearance. These are the principal points of appreciation for this smith and his group.
The 's evaluative language for Motoshige is remarkably consistent across sessions: blades are praised as works in which "Motoshige's characteristic points are clearly manifested," where both and are (sound and well-preserved), and the state of preservation is "especially good" or "exceptionally fine." Superior examples are described as possessing (ample blade flesh), a dignified and commanding presence, and an air of martial vigor. Signed examples -- whether -, , or -- are consistently noted as precious documentary material for the study of this smith, given that so many works survive only as . Within the tradition framework, Motoshige occupies a distinctive position: his work clearly manifests the basis through its standing and -dominant construction, while simultaneously revealing the atmosphere of neighboring through its angular, temper and pointed . It is precisely this dual character -- in foundation, in temperament -- that renders his attributions, in the 's words, "precisely appropriate," and that secures his place as a maker of abiding scholarly and connoisseurial interest.