Vintage 7 Immortals, what can you tell me?

Recent estate purchase. Guessing these are resin (see one spot where there is damage --last photos). 2" high. What are the holes in the back for? Keywords, etc much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I believe the two holes in the back were to simulate netsuke.

 

Thanks.

To be clear, so not actual netsuke, but just to simulate the look?

 

Yes to simulate. I recall seeing these around in the mid to late 1990's and in most instances, the holes didn't connect internally, they were just fairly deep indents in the resin.

 

The holes on each figure all do connect (tested w/a string) but not sure that means anything. Based on the sale where I purchased these, I was thinking 1970's plus or minus, but could be later.

Thanks!