I don't have a problem with having one of those or not, to each his own. But the problem in what he said is that I heard the same elder tell another person that it was OK to have a small Buddha statue (a tiny Buddha head) in his apartment if it's only viewed as an insignificant nick-nac (decor) and not "worshiped." (The apartment was a furnished rental and the brother had no choice as to what was in there). Personally I thought the counsel was hypocritical on this elder's part. I have heard of others not wanting those "praying hands" plaques in their homes because they believed they are "too creepy." He said he would find a Watchtower article on the matter, but I don't know what may have been said in his follow up. I know some other elders who would never advise a publisher that it's OK to have a statue of Buddha in their home - or any religious statue for that matter.
I remember reading an article or "Questions from Readers" section about the use of religious figurines if they are only viewed as nick-nacs and not used for religious purposes. (I can't find it though). A December 22, 1976 Awake! seems to touch on this.