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Hi all. I have been trying to translate the Japanese characters on these pieces without much luck. I believe they may be Asian singing bowls although I am not sure. The owner before my father used them as planters so they are beat up and they have a single hole in each of the bottoms. I first thought the silly person who used them as planters drilled a hole for drainage but I am wondering now could they have been hung originally like gongs and that's what the hole is? I am told they are at least 100 years old and could be difficult to translate because of age. I have taken pics and posted a few here but I have more if helpful. If anyone can help me I would be so very grateful. I really want to learn the history including the age and what these were used for.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
Nicole

More pictures. Of the three bowls only 2 have Japanese characters. This is the smallest bowls characters.

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