Postby davidross » Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:55 pm
Rauls is right, the first three characters read "Japanese Mint Bureau." The last two mean "made by," or "fecit" if you prefer (a standard J-E dictionary translates as "a quality product of..."). The writing is of the "archaic" form still used today in official seals in lieu of a signature.
The paulownia flower in the centre of the bowls is the official state seal of the Japanese government, which appears today on the reverse of the 500 yen coin as well as on official government documents and property.
In short, these bowls were some sort of souvenir pieces made and issued by the Japanese Mint, either as gifts from the mint or perhaps offered for sale as part of public tours of the mint. They look to be of well made, as would be expected of the mint.
Regarding the date, these are without much doubt recent, probably 1970s or later. Anything made or issued by the mint prior to WWII would surely mention the Great Japanese Empire, a matter of great national pride, as indeed all Japanese currency did until the postwar reforms of 1947.
As recent pieces, they must have another mark denoting their silver content if they are sterling. There is the odd chance that they are unmarked sterling and that this information was included in a presentation box, but it seems very unlikely to me.
This is only one opinion, of course.
Regards
David