Dharmapalas are warrior guardians of the four directions. They were introduced to China in the seventh century by a Cingalese Buddhist monk Pu Kung. The four Deva Kings soon became popular temple guardians in Japan. Among the four, Bishamonten is the only guardian worshipped independently. Not unlike his origin in India and China as the Guardian Vaishravana, he is frequently portrayed as the God of Wealth riding on a snow lion, or typically trampling an evil spirit.

Here in this statue, Bishamonten is depicted in a finely observed full suit of armor, with arms crossed near his chest, the trident or sword in his hands is missing and replaced. He is wearing a pair of high boots, standing with legs firmly apart above a Shishi Lion pedestal, the facial expression of Bishamonten is both serene and dignified. The statue is artfully sculpted with the ichiboku-zukuri single-block technique in classic Muromachi style. Due to its centuries-old age, there are a few wormholes and small nicks can be seen in the front, and noticeably two larger chips to his robe in the back. A fine archaic carving characterized the works of no later than a 15th century; note that the pedestal is newer and dated Kaei Reign fourth year of the 1848 Edo era