Are these seals the same?

[bonescwa]

Thanks

[chrl42]

the black one is not clear, but it's clear it's not traditional one (pre-70s)

[MarshalN]

Uh, not even close. The left side are totally different

[Drax]

Yes, you need a better picture of the top one. But, to me they look similar at the resolution available. I'd go with "inconclusive," though.

If they are the same, or aren't, does it matter?

[bonescwa]

I was just curious, and I don't know anything about seals. I was wondering about the way that the right half of each are identical, or even information that is normally included in the seals on these mass produced types of yixing from the 90s-2000s. Obviously the maker, but I know nothing about chinese characters, but are names usually just 2-3 characters?
Thanks

[wyardley]

In this case, it's not the maker. See threads like this for more information on some common 6 character "Meng Chen" seals used by the state-owned factories. Zhongguo Yixing is another common one (this isn't anyone's names). If these pots have any mark related to the maker at all, they'd likely be under the lid or handle.

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?p=191376#p191376
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?p=217974#p217974
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?p=126770#p126770 [though images are dead now]

I think what Drax was saying is that you should post a better shot of the seal on the first one if you want more information about what it says. Looks like you have them oriented correctly, and I believe it should be top to bottom, right to left. Reading seal script can be tricky, and I would definitely defer to marshaln on this subject (see some from his blog below).

Some more general information at:
http://www.marshaln.com/2008/01/monday-january-28-2008/ (also linked to in one of the posts referenced above)
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=19196

[MarshalN]

Both say the exact same thing, just not the same seal.

[Fuut]

Maybe you should try to find a reference book that includes tokoname prefecture potters..

Seems identifying marks is a lifetime job. I found raku wares (or shino wares with thick or all-covering glazes the hardest to identify).