Size: Satake rods, from Japan, are hand pulled and range in size from about 4 to 12 mm in diameter and are about 22" long. Most rods average 6 to 8 mm in diameter.

Transparent colors have no opaqueness at all.

Pastel colors are opaque and are similar to Effetre (Moretti) Pastel and Special colors.

Opalescent colors are translucent and are similar in their translucency to Effetre (Moretti) Alabaster and Opalino colors.

Numbering Code: The first three letters of the numbering code tell you the type of glass. The first character is always S. It represents the Satake brand of glass. The second letter is either T, P or O, for Transparent, Pastel or Opalescent. The third letter indicates from which Satake color palette the colors came from. The number following the three letters is the Satake color number from the third letter's color palette.

PDF's of Satake's color charts.
Satake produces 160 colors, however only 94 of them are lead glass. The remaining 66 colors are soda lime glass and are not very popular either in the United States or Japan. So we decided not to carry them at this time. When viewing the charts, the color names that have a white background are lead glass, and we stock them. The colors names that have a blue background are soda lime glass and we do not stock them. Note also that we have modified the factory numbering system, as explained above, to better help identify a color as Transparent, Pastel or Opalescent.
PDF of Satake color chats A and E
PDF of Satake color chats G and S

Using: Arrow Springs sells the full line of Satake lead colors, and none of the less popular soda lime colors. Satake lead colors are probably not compatible with any other brand of glass, and not compatible with Satake soda lime colors. Satake glass is extremely soft, which means that it needs to be worked in a very cool and soft flame to prevent burning and boiling. In addition, the glass holds heat longer than most other soft glasses. If you are used to working only with Effetre (Moretti) or Bullseye glass, it may take a little experimenting to adjust to the different feel, but well worth the time it takes to make the transition. The Satake color palette is one of the most exciting and beautiful available.

Approximate Coefficient of Expansion (C.O.E.): 120
Annealing Temperature: 890º F