In the waning years of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368); wokou (Japanese pirates) raided the coastal provinces of eastern China with increasing regularity. Despite suffering defeat in Shandong in 1363; raiding parties continued; pushing even farther south along the coast to Fujian Province.

The scroll in its entirety shows a party of Japanese pirates landing in a coastal community; scouting and raiding local residences; the flight of refugees; and the response of Ming troops who defend the area in a pitched battle on the water. Pictures From History