In Chinese art and sculpture, the theme of Buddha and bodhisattvas frequently recurs. A bodhisattva is an awakened person to whom the possibility of ultimate liberation in nirvana is possible. However, in the tradition of love and compassion first practiced by the Buddha, they have decided to continue to be reborn on Earth to help the rest of humanity along the path to enlightenment.
For centuries, Buddhists have created statues to represent the Buddha or the Boddhisattvas to aid people in devotion and mediation. Among the most popular Boddhisattvas is Kwan Yin. She is referred to as the Goddess of Mercy, and is associated with compassion.
Many of the Buddhist statues that one can find show the Buddha seated in a lotus posture with his hands raised in a gesture of blessing. The boddhisattvas are similarly represented in sculpture. Statues of the Buddha and of Kwan Yin are made of many materials, including gold, silver, soapstone, jadeite or crystal, and other natural materials.
Many practicing Buddhists find it helpful to focus on a statue of the Buddha while meditating. Offerings are also often placed before such statues. Neither the Buddha nor the bodhisattvas are worshiped as gods or goddesses. However, their statues provide a form of spiritual practice designed to generate humility and appreciation(1).
Buddhism is a spiritual practice, but is not a religion. If you choose to decorate your home with Buddhist statues, either as a form of spiritual practice or as simply an expression of your personal taste, it is entirely your own individual choice.
(1)http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48856.asp
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