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Buddha figurines depict Buddhist way of life and their beliefs and ideologies. The statute of Gautama Buddha in various postures has been frequently crafted by great sculptors that arouses feelings of faith and glory for the Enlightened One. The earliest representation of Buddhist religion was made through  the erection of  the Stupas, the monuments containing relics of Buddha. Symbols like foot, sacred tree, umbrella and altar were widely used to represent Buddha.

However it was in the early centuries of the Christian era that the first humanoid statues of Buddha made their appearance in and around the region of Mathura in Northern India.
These states were sculpted in stone by artisans who drew inspiration from their experience in creating statues of Gods and Kings. These artisans also reflected on the literary traditions an important feature of Buddhism. (lakshanas)

The early Buddha statues presented Him in an apparel that clung close to His body while the head was kept shaven with a knot at the top. The statues were usually made representing Buddha in frontal posture, standing free or sitting in meditative position (mudra) such as  Yogasana (yoga posture) or a Simhasana (lion throne).

Another popular posture of Buddha is the Padmasana (lotus posture). This is a meditating posture known as the Amitabha Buddha, symbolizes repose and wisdom. Buddha is sitting in padmasana, or the lotus posture, with his hands placed in his lap depicting a state of  dhyana or meditation. The pot symbolizes the Dharma or the teachings of the Buddha, which he offers to the world. Buddha teaches that desire is the cause of all human suffering. Allowing the mind to flower free from desire will liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirth and enable a person to attain Nirvana or salvation.

In Sanskrit the statute of Buddha is termed as  Buddharupa, meaning the ‘image of the enlightened one.’ Buddha figurines are available in several materials.
Ceramic and porcelain are usually used in sculpting Chinese Buddhist statues. Metals such as bronze, brass, wood, stone (jade, marble, sandstone) are used to create beautiful figurines of Buddha.  Gold and silver is also used to sculpt  Buddha statues. Each statue has a unique look showcasing the different postures (mudras) of Buddha. Such postures include :

• Abhaymudra
  In the Abhaymudra, the right hand of Buddha is raised symbolizing fear. The statute depicts safety and peace and hence is placed in homes.
• Reclining Position
  This posture symbolizes Buddha’s recluse from the material world.
• Dhyana
  In this posture Buddha places His hands on the lap depicting a dignified composure.
• Akshobhaya
  The Akshobhaya posture depicts Buddha touching the goddess earth with His right hand (Bhumispara),  referring to the legend of the attack of Mara, the Evil one upon Sakyamuni.
• Bhaishajya Guru Buddha Statue
  In the Bhaishajya posture, Buddha is seen offering myrabolan, a medicinal plant  with the right hand. The palm of the Buddha’s left hand holds a small bowl, while a vajra rests on the surface of the huge water lily on which he sits, aligned with his eyes absorbed in deep meditation.
• Manjushri Buddha Statue
  Manjushri is an important Bodhisattvas that brings together  the role of teacher of Buddhist doctrine and keeper of wisdom. This is depicted by Buddha displaying a flaring sword in His right hand while clinging to the darkness of ignorance.    

The figurines of Buddha often represent the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols:
Conch Shell
Endless Knot
Fly Whisk
Lotus Blossom
Parasol
Twin Fish
Water Vase
Wheel of Dharma.

Each of these symbols represents an aspect of the life and philosophy of Buddha’s teachings. The ushnisha or knot of hair on top of Buddha’s head is considered a sign of His spiritual wisdom.