HOW TO BUY A BUDDHA STATUE?

Buying a Statue
Before buying a statue, you should know why you need one, how you will use it, and what it really means to you. You shouldn't buy a statue just because it is the traditional thing to do as a Buddhist.
It may sound funny, but the first thing you should check when buying a statue is whether or not it is a Buddhist statue. Many Hindu deities look similar and can be confused with Buddhist images. Hand mudras (gestures) can help in identification.
In the Tibetan tradition, statues, stupas and prayer wheels are filled with mantras and holy substances. Depending on where the statue is made, it may not be appropriate for filling. Chinese, Japanese and Thai statues, for instance, are not usually designed to be filled and may be made of porcelain or solid stone. Look for a statue made in India or Nepal and make sure it can be filled.
TOURIST BEWARE!
A statue may look like a traditional Tibetan Buddhist statue that has already been filled and sealed. Be careful - it may be sealed but is really empty inside. The same is true for prayer wheels. Trying to open them to check inside can destroy the object. Ask if it has mantras inside or if it is empty.
Quality Work
When you look for a statue, buy one that is a good-looking statue with a nice face. The size of the statue doesn't matter.
If your statue is made of a precious metal such as silver or gold, there is special benefit if it is bought with the proper intention. (This is true for many ritual objects, including water bowls, butter lamps and mandala sets.) It should not be considered a possession or something you bought because it is an antique, but instead as a way to offer the best of the best. By using an object made of a precious metal, then you are offering the precious substance at the same time.
For a traditional statue to be complete, the face should already be painted in gold (by someone trained in this specialty). If you wish, it may also have more extensive painting and jewels