It’s not often that one résumé can include hermetic magician, astrologer, gold and silversmith and lighting designer. It’s fair to say that Austrian Emil Stejnar may be the only one to claim all of the skills above.
The clamor for mid-century modern design has been at a fever pitch since, well, pretty much the mid-twentieth century. And while many of the era’s furniture makers have gained recognition over time, many designers remain obscure. Emil Stejnar is one such designer.
Born in Vienna in 1939, Stejnar trained in goldsmithing and silversmithing and opened a jewelry workshop in Sweden. Eventually, he began to translate his metal skills to light fixtures.
Vintage Emil Stejnar chandeliers and mirrors are practically jewelry themselves, featuring materials like 24-carat gold-plated brass and Austrian crystals. He had a penchant for symmetrical, rounded forms, often emulating starbursts, snowflakes or floral blossoms in his designs.
Stejnar found a partner in Austrian manufacturer Rupert Nikoll, which made an extensive amount of the designer’s astonishingly precious pieces. In fact, the biggest claim to glory for the brand, which was established in Vienna in the early 1900s, owes to Stejnar’s work.
While it seems that any lighting fixture having a starburst shape and numerous bulbs on the ends was dubbed “Sputnik” in the Cold War era, one of Rupert Nikoll’s most famous designs is the Sputnik pendant lamp, created in the 1960s by Stejnar.
With several lighted spokes extending out in every direction, forming a shape similar to a dandelion puff, Stejnar's Sputnik pendant lamp earned the nickname “Pusteblume,” or “Dandelion” in English. Many imitators have replicated the Sputnik design, but the originals are highly valued by interior designers and collectors of Space Age design.
Find vintage Emil Stejnar chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Large White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and celesti...
Metal
$3,055 / item
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A large wall mirror with indirect lighting featuring glass flowers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from the 1960s. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. This vintage i...
Sheet Metal
Fabulous Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Chandelier Vintage Austria 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, sputnik chandelier, glass, crystal, brass, Austria 1960s or older. Large brass 'Snowball' Sputnik chandelier, made in Vienna in the 1960s. Designed by...
Metal
Pair of Emil Stejnar Sputnik Sconces Wall Lights, Gilt Brass Crystal Glass, 1970
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful Viennese snowflake / blow ball / Sputnik wall lights designed by Emil Stejnar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). High-...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Lager Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp, steel lacquered with glass blossoms and pearls. Designed in the 1950s in Vienna by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Fitted with four E27 up to 100W sockets. On requ...
Steel
Emil Stejnar wall lamp with flower crystals , 1950s Vienna
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Emil Stejnar wall lamp with flower crystals , 1950s Vienna Dimensions: 17,5cm Width , 10,5cm Depth , 19,5cm Height Condition: Good Material: Metal , glass
Crystal, Metal
Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Ernest Palme, Palwa
Located in München, DE
Wonderful pendant lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with the crystal glass flowers has a very luxurious charisma and sparkles particularly beautiful. The design and the materials used cr...
Metal
Emil stejnar chandelier around 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Emil stejnar chandelier around 1950s Original condition Only new wired
Brass
Emil Stejnar Backlit Mirror, Rupert Nikoll, Brass Glass White Metal, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A round wall mirror with illuminated background designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The mirror c...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Chandelier Rupert Nikoll, Brass Crystal Glass, Lucite Vienna, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful and rare chandelier or pendant light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria. An original mid-century vintage piece manufactured around 1950. It is made of brass...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Floral Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Ernest Palme, Palwa
Located in München, DE
Wonderful floral wall or ceiling lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with the crystal glass flowers has a very luxurious appearance and sparkles particularly beautifully. The design and th...
Metal
austrian mid century emil stejnar CHANDELIER hanging lamp dandelion sputnik ceil
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Mannheim, DE
Magnificent Austrian mid century chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna in the mid 1950s. Material brass, white painted metal and glass. A total of 33 arms ext...
Brass
Flush Mount Ceiling Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel lacquered with glass blossoms and pearls. Designed in the 1950s in Vienna by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Fitted with three E27 sockets. On request shorter or longer rod. Tw...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s Three E14 sockets. Works with 220V and 110V. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to install thi...
Metal
Rare Austrian Mid- Century Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare mid - century polished and lacquered brass and metal 12 -arms chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, circa 1950s. Socket: 12 x e14 for standard screw bulbs. Pair of matching wa...
Brass
Rare Midcentury Emil Stejnar Illuminated Floral Oval Shape Mirror, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish Mid-Century Modern vanity / make up hallway mirror for wall mounting, 1950s. An exceptional and highly collectible piece by famed Austrian designer Emil Stejnar, this illumi...
Metal
$1,400 / item
Mid-Century Flush or Wall Mount Lamp by Emil Stejnar
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction fitted with five E14 sockets, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in Vienna in the 1950s. 4 pieces available
Brass
1 of 2 Emil Stejnar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large Sputnik chandeliers designed by Emil Stejnar and manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. This beautiful light fixture is made of a 24-carat gold-plated brass frame w...
Brass
Pair Brass and Lucite Glass Wall Light Sconces by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Incredible pair of mid century modern wall sconces with brass metal plate and brass screws. This wonderful pieces were designed in Austria by Emil Stejnar during the 1950s. Made by R...
Metal
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Crystal, Metal
$1,438Sale Price|50% Off
Austrian 1960s Stejnar Crystal Flush Light
By Emil Stejnar
Located in New York, NY
A golden brass and clear and light amethyst color crystal flush ceiling or wall light by the Austrian lighting company, Stejnar. Newly Rewired. Two-light sources.
Crystal, Brass
Beautiful small mid-century pendant lamp by Emil Stejnar in a trumpet shape
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful small Mid-Century Modern metal pendant lamp by Emil Stejnar in the shape of a trumpet. The entire lamp is made of metal. The shade is adorned with glass flowers and embelli...
Metal
$2,999Sale Price / item|37% Off
Emil Stejnar Starburst Brass Glass Chandeliers, Refurbished 1950
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
1 out of 2 fully refurbished 18" ball lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria circa 1955- sold per piece Gorgeous set of 2 sparkling chandeliers in the original iconic des...
Brass
$1,875Sale Price|20% Off
1950s, Emil Stejnar Chandelier for Rupert Nikoll, Austria
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This exquisite mid-century chandelier, often referred to as a “snowflake” design, features a dynamic composition of brass arms radiating outward, each adorned with delicate glass flo...
Metal, Brass
Large Emil Stejnar Brass and Glass Snowflake Sputnik Starburst Flush Mount Light
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large Emil Stejnar Brass and Glass Sputnik Starburst Flush Mount Light A beautiful round large snowflake starburst flush-mount lamp from the 1970s. This floral mid-century ceiling ...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Twelve Arms Brass and Crystal, 1950s Pendant
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original early Viennese chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from the 1950s. Made of brass, red lacquered metal and hand cut crystals. Excellent condition. It takes twelve sm...
Crystal, Brass, Metal
Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll vienna around 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Crystal, Brass
$1,645 / item
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
$1,278Sale Price|20% Off
Large 12-Arm Pyra Snowflake Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll: Large twelve-arm ceiling lamp. 12 E14 sockets. Excellent condition. 2 identical lamps available.
Brass
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Half Ball Starburst Chandelier by Emil Stejnar
By Emil Stejnar
Located in New York, NY
Half ball Starburst hangs beneath a mirrored mylar disk, to create the illusion of a full round ball fixture. Interesting variation of the classic, and more ...
Metal
$2,950 / set
Pair of Emil Stejnar Sconces
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of 2 lights Pair of sconces by Emil Stejnar. 2 patina, brass and gun metal. 40 watts max bulb. US wire and in working condition Custom backplate available.
Brass
Glass and Brass Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful flush mount made by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1960s. The lighting has an amazing midcentury design. It is made of brass and glass. The light requ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Snowflake Chandelier Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Snowflake Chandelier Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Vienna Austria. Rare ceiling chandelier by Rupert Nikoll based on a design by Emil Stejnar. A...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Nickel-Plated Dandelion Sputnik Blowball Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century snowflake blowball sputnik chandelier from the 1950s. Designed by Emil Stejnar, manufactured by Rupert Nikoll Vienna / Austria. Made of nickel-plated brass, ...
Crystal, Brass, Nickel
Pair of Large Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Flushmount, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Each of the fifteen-light brass Sputnik flushmounts with copious amounts of Austrian crystals by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll. Cosmological. Measures: Ø 23.6". This glamorous delicate ...
Metal, Brass
Fantastic Set of Two Emil Stejnar Ceiling Lamps by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Munich, DE
Ceiling flush mount with glass blossoms, manufactured Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950. Matching pair.
Metal, Brass
Pair of Brass Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of Mid-Century Modern floral wall lamps by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1950. The pieces are made of brass, white painted metal and han...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Eclipse Emile Stejnar Blowball Brass a Crystal Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Spectacular, 1950s Emil Stejnar chandelier for Rupert Nikoll, Austria. This sparkling orb is one of the larger versions of this eclips design. The chandelier consists of a brass body...
Crystal, Brass
Rupert Nikoll for Emil Stejnar Snowball Sputnik Chandelier, 1950s Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very rare Sputnik chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar, circa 1955 and executed by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna.
Brass
$1,022 / item
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stjenar for Rupert E. Nikoll Large Chandeliers in Glass and Brass
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Emil Stjenar for Rupert E. Nikoll, chandelier, glass, brass, Austria, 1960s Wonderful chandelier by Emil Stjenar for Nikoll. Each arm serves as a testament to the artisan's skill, c...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Starburst Chandelier Lamp Brass Glass Gold, Austria, 1970
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Emil Stejnar snowflake blowball chandelier for Rupert Nikoll, circa 1970, featuring a 23" sphere of dandelions and twenty-five bulbs per lamp. Exclusive 24-carat gold-plated model. T...
Gold, Brass
$597Sale Price|50% Off
Emil Stejnar Austrian Crystal 1950s Wall Light
By Emil Stejnar
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful 1950s Austrian crystal and aged brass flowing wall light by Emil Stejnar. Newly rewired.
Crystal, Brass
Plexiglass and Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Plexiglass and brass chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s, Austria Mid-Century Modern charming pendant lamp. Designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Manufact...
Brass
Rare Large Brass and Glass Sputnik Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare and beautiful thirty-three-light "Snowball" chandeliers designed 1955 by Emil Stejnar for the Vienna Cafe "Ohne Pause Espresso" at Graben. "Der Graben...
Brass
Austrian Beaded Glas Flower Lead Crystal Lantern, Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
One of kind beaded glass flower and lead Crystal gilt brass mounted lantern or pendant by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s. Hexagonal brass structure completely (outsid...
Crystal, Brass
$4,400Sale Price / item|48% Off
Emil Stejnar Brass Glass Chandeliers Refurbished Lamps, Austria 1950
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
1 out of 2 fully refurbished 24" ball lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria circa 1955- sold and priced per piece Gorgeous set of 2 sparkling starburst chandeliers in the original iconic design that has been featured worldwide, often copied but never reached. Emil Stejnar designed these for a cafe in Vienna but due to the success they were produced in larger numbers and subsequently used for homes as well. The originals show the typical brass structure with white cages and diamond crystals. The bulb sockets are white as well (There are many copies and facsimiles out there that are fully brass colored only and are made from iron). The big lights...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Pair Midcentury Brass Flower Sconces, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of lovely Austrian floral brass wall lights with three arms, glass crystals and integrated switches. Designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s. Professi...
Crystal, Brass
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Brass & Crystal Chandelier, Light, 1960s, Austria
By Paavo Tynell, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern ceiling light, manufactured by Rupert Nikoll in 1960's, Austria, Vienna. This chandelier is a striking appearance in every room. Elegant shape and high q...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Pair of Fabulous Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Chandeliers, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of seventeen-light brass Sputnik fixtures with copious amounts of Austrian crystals by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll. Cosmological. Measures: Ø 17". This glamorous delicate brass ‘...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Austrian Vintage Wall or Ceiling Lights Flush Mounts Chandeliers, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Sputnik flush mounts (on request as pendants), chandeliers. Austria, 1950s. Lamp sockets: 4.
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mirror with Glass Blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Palwa, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Houston, TX
Austrian mirror with glass blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Stunning round Austrian mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 19...
Glass, Mirror
$1,175Sale Price|20% Off
Illuminated floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in ECHT, NL
Back lit wall mirror. Designed by Emil Stejnar and produced by Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1950s. The mirror has an edge made from numerous glass flowers that reflect en disperse t...
Metal
1 of 3 Petie Starburst Brass Pendant Lights by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Beautiful petite starburst brass pendant light with hundreds of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa 1960s. Heavy quality and in goo...
Crystal, Brass
$1,245 / item
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An illuminated wall mirror from the 1960s made in Austria. It was designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. The mirror has a round design with beautiful orange acrylic flowers. The...
Aluminum
Emil Stejnar Chandeliers Brass Silver Glass, Austria Mid Century
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Emil Stejnar chandelier in silver glass, Austria circa 1950 Beautiful light from the 1950s featuring 24 lights (small bulbs e14). Good overall condition, no structural issues, newly...
Silver, Brass
Unusual Emil Stejnar Brass Crystal Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, floral brass chandelier from the 1950s, designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll Vienna. Has 10 arms and a lot of crystals and glass flower elements on it. In...
Crystal, Brass
$411Sale Price / set|68% Off
Emil Stejnar Brass and Glass Sconces
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, AT
A very beautiful floral sconces designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna Austria, from the 1950s. It is made of brass and many small cut-glass crystals. Original condition.
Crystal, Brass
Midcentury Brass Cascade Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A brass Cascade chandelier made by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1960s. The lighting has an amazing midcentury design. It is made of brass and small glasses and fits...
Brass