[4][5] A kabuki actor, Rokujuen was also a scholar of Japanese classics, and translator of Chinese fables.
[6][7] Though earlier involved in Edo's artistic community, he had been banished from the town after a confrontation with authorities regarding his management of an inn.
The group continued to produce poetry and poetic anthems throughout the Bunsei and into the Tenpō eras.
[4] Hokusai pupil Sunayama Hôtei Gosei designed surimono for Go Gawa, which he adapted for the first syllable of his name.
[8][9] Totoya Hokkei,[3][7] Yashima Gakutei,[6] and famed Ukiyo-e artist Kunisada[10] also designed surimono for the group.