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.
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
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
$1,009 / 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
$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
Mid-Century Modern Emil Stejnar Starburst Brass Ceiling Lamp for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar
Located in München, DE
Original Mid-Century Modern Emil Stejnar starburst brass ceiling lamp for Rupert Nikoll. Very great elaborate design in the shape of a hemisphere, high-quality made. With original b...
Metal, Brass
$1,160Sale Price|37% Off
Fountain Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, Au
Fountain chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Original condition.
Nickel
Pair of Midcentury Brass Sconces by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful pair of brass wall lamps made by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1960s. The pair has an amazing midcentury design. It is made of brass and small glasses an...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Pendant Light Chandelier Brass Glass, Austria, 1950s, 1 of 3
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three outstanding Viennese sputnik / blow ball / snowball chandeliers / pendant lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Gorgeous 1950s Mid-Century Modernist 26" Backlit Mirror by Emil Stejnar, Vienna
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Gorgeous illuminated mirror in mid-century style surrounded by countless crystal flowers on a round mirror with an enameled metal frame. The backlit glass flowers arranged all around...
Crystal, Metal, Enamel
$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
Midcentury Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A brass 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 perfect...
Brass
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
One of Three Emil Stejnar Pendant Lights Chandeliers, Brass Glass, Austria 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three outstanding Viennese sputnik / blow ball / snowball chandeliers / pendant lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$1,728 / item
Emil Stejnar Oval 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. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. Th...
Sheet Metal
$1,508Sale Price|35% Off
Chandelier Snowball Sputnik by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
This enchanting chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar in the 1950s for the Viennese lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll. Stejnar's ceiling lamps are characterized by star shapes an...
Crystal, Brass
Large Emil Stejnar Chandelier
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Miami, FL
A rare example of Emil Stejnar Sputnik chandelier 20 lights, 25 watts per light.
Brass
Brass Beaded Crystal Glass Flower Pendant Lantern by Emil Stejnar, 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
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
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
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
Large Pendant Light with Aged Brass Glass by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Petite pendant light with brass glass, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1960s Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use. The fixture requires 3 x E27 s...
Brass
Amazing 17-Lights Chandelier Dandelion by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, BY
Amazing light object. Lovely and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern sputnik chandelier 'dandelion'. Designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s. Executed in brass, ...
Brass
Fabulous Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Chandelier Vintage Austria Rubert N
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Sputnik nine-light brass fixture with copious amounts of Austrian crystals by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll. Cosmological. This glamorous delicate brass ‘Snowball’ Sputnik chandelier is al...
Metal, Brass
Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful large starburst brass chandelier with hundreds of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa 196...
Crystal, Brass
Brass and Glass Sputnik Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
Midcentury Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, BY
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern six-armed chandelier or pendant lamp 'Fontaine'. Designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Executed in silver plated brass, Lu...
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
$2,990Sale Price|56% Off
Large Brass Pyra Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Midcentury chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, fitted with 16 E27 sockets. The total length can be customized.
Brass
Large Snowball Ceiling Light, Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light sconce or ceiling light Producer: Rupert Nikoll, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s This super rare wall light was produced...
Metal, Brass
Vintage large Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage large Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Metal
Emil Stejnar Dandelion, Sputnik Snowball Pendant Chandelier
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Emil Stejnar Dandelion, Sputnik Snowball Pendant Chandelier, Very usable "as is" would be amazing with some minor restoration,,(PRICED ACCORDINGLY) missing a couple of flowe...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Wall Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikol, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Austria in 1950s. - Lacquered brass with patina. - two bulbs, Us compatible jr
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Midcentury Wall Lamps, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very nice style of lighting.
Brass
Emil Stejnar Flower Bouquet Flush Mount or Wall Light Sconce, 1950s Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning Flower Bouquet Emil Stejnar Flush Mount Light or Sconce. It is consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. The Fixture requires seven European E14 / 110 Volt Candelab...
Metal
Silver Glass Flushmount Light by Emil Stejnar for H. Richter, 1950’s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hastings, GB
Emil Stejnar (Austria) sunburst flushmount light, designed for the H. Richter company 1950’s. Very elegant rare silver backed flushmount wit...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Dandelion Chandelier, 45 cm Sputnik Snowball Chandelier for Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This spectacular Sputnik Chandelier looks like a flowers explosion.It features a multitude of brass rods ending with bulbs or clear crystal flowers. E...
Brass
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 12 arm Brass Chandelier, Austria, 1950
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Bronx, NY
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll brass and glass chandelier, Austria, 1950. Chandelier consisting of a brass frame with numerous glass elements lid up by 12 individual bulbs . Delive...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass & Crystal Sputnik Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist Sputnik chandelier, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll and crafted in Austria circa 1958, is a timeless example of bold innovation and sop...
Crystal, Brass
Large Snowball Pendant by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Snowball Pendant by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Designed and manufactured in Austria, circa 1960's. Brass, glass. Rewired for U.S. standards...
Brass
Dandelion Sputnik Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1955
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Uithoorn, NL
'Dandelion' Sputnik chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Vienna, Austria, 1955. Produced by Rupert Nikoll. This chandelier is made of faceted glass in the shapes of snowflakes. The Sputnik-li...
Silver
Emil Stejnar Sputnik Chandelier for Rupert Nikoll, Brass & Crystal, Vienna 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic 1950s Sputnik chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna. Radiating brass arms with golden finish hold multiple sockets and dangling hand-cut crystal prisms...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Emil Stejnar sconces 1960
By Emil Stejnar
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pair of wall sconces by Emil Stejnar in gilded brass and fully restored glass, vintage condition. Austria around 1960. Height 43 cm - 17 po Width 34 cm - 13 po
Gold Plate, 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
1 of 2 Spectacular Backlit Mirror by Emil Stejnar, Germany
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful and high quality wall mirror by Emil Stejnar, Germany, 1970s Illuminated mirror made of a metal frame surrounded by hundreds of acrylic plastic flowers High quality and...
Crystal, Metal
Beautiful brass chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern brass chandelier. Design by Emil Stejnar. Manufactured by Rupert Nikoll. Made in Austria. Stunning, elaborate design from the 1950s. Twelve E14 sockets, ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Chandelier "Sputnik" by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, Au
Mid-Century Chandelier "Sputnik" by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1950s Brass polished and stovre enameled e14 bulbs ( european )
Crystal, 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
1950’s Brass, Lucite & Crystal Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Schoorl, NL
A Stunning midcentury design manufactured around 1950. It is made of brass, lucite and hand-cut crystal dish. Briljant beading work in acrylic.
Crystal, Brass
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A large wall mirror with indirect lighting by Emil Stejnar for Schöninger from the 1950s. The very first version of the series, with four E14 light bulbs. Later editions feature fluo...
Sheet Metal
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Palwa, Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, Ernest Palme, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Wonderful chandelier from the 1950s. The lamp with its lavishly decorated flowers and brass details has a very luxurious look and sparkles particularly beautifully. The design and th...
Metal
Large Oval Stejnar Flower Glass & Brass Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely large 90 cm/35,43 inch oval designed snowflake 'Snowball' Sputnik chandelier designed by Emile Stejnar for Rubert Nikoll, covered with Austrian crystal stars and flowers wh...
Brass
Glass and Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exceptional glass and brass chandelier, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s, is an iconic example of Austrian mid-century lighting design. Characterized by i...
Brass
1950's Brass & Acrylic Chandelier by Emil Stejnar
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a standout piece from Emiel Stejnar. The brilliant beading work in acrylic gives an opulent yet elegant feel, enhanced by the curves that add a sleekness to the character of ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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/red acrylic flowers....
Aluminum
Emil Stejnar by Robert Nikoll Midcentury Austria 1950s Floral Sconce Applique
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Brescia, IT
Emil Stejnar by Robert Nikoll Brass, white metal, hand-cut glass crystal.
Brass and Glass Large Snowflake Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large 80 cm width Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s Chandelier in excellent condition the brass has nice pain e during the years in contrast of the clear crystal flowers
Brass
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Oval Backlight Mirror Vienna Around 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, Au
Viennese Backlight Wall Mirror by Emil Stejnar with Glass Blossoms, 1950s Original condition
Glass, Mirror
Austrian Flower Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare ceiling chandelier by Rupert Nikoll based on a design by Emil Stejnar. An imposing design whose shapes and details are inspired by the plant world. Curved brass arms are arrang...
Metal
MidCentury Austrian Flower Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare ceiling light by Rupert Nikoll based on a design by Emil Stejnar. Here in a special version as a rod pendulum with a mirrored reflector disc. An impressive design whose shapes ...
Metal
Austrian Flower Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing ceiling light from rupert nikoll after a design by emil stejnar. Here is a rare version in black and brass. an impressive design, the shapes and details of which are inspir...
Metal