Nakamura Sōjūrō I as Sano Genzaemon

This scene comes from a Kabuki tale set in the Kamakura period (1192–1333). Featuring murder, revenge, and retribution, the plot revolves around the conflict between a samurai named Sano Genzaemon and the government of the time. Here we see Sano Genzaemon standing on a veranda at night with the sea in the background. He has drawn one of his swords as he tries to protect himself against an unseen and unknown assailant.