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.
Midcentury Brass Cascade Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
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
Cascade Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Pineapple Design, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful large starburst brass cascade pendant with hundreds of acrylic beads designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria circa the 1960s. Each balls consist of man...
Brass
Gorgeous 1950s Mid-Century Modernist 26" Backlit Mirror by Emil Stejnar, Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount 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 this f...
Metal
Glass and Brass 'Snowflake' Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful 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. The fixture...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Midcentury Brass Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Austrian brass chandelier with 6 arms, designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s. In very good condition. Measurements: diameter 20 in, total hei...
Brass
$1,176Sale Price|37% Off
Fountain Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Fountain chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Original condition.
Nickel
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
$705Sale Price / item|73% Off
Three Floral Brass and Glass Sputnik Pendants by Emil Stejnar, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Three Floral Brass and Glass Sputnik Chandelier Pendant by Emil Stejnar, 1950s polished and stove enamelled There are 10 sockets for E27 bulbs. lower light bulbs separately switchabl...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Mid-Century 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 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
Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century wall mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. The mirror consists of an illuminated back with a large number of glass crystal glass flowers. 1950s - Austria Very good...
Murano Glass
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
$1,529Sale 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
Set of Two Wall Lamps by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikol, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Austria in 1950s. Lacquered brass with age patina. Crystal in perfect condition. 40W, E25-E27 bulbs.
Crystal, Brass
$3,687 / item
Large Flush Mount Sputnik Chandelier Emil Stejnar
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with glass elements, fitted with 15 E14 sockets. Designed by Austrian designer Emil Stejnar in the 1950s for Rupert Nikoll, restored and newly rewired.
Brass
Petite Starburst Brass and Crystal Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful petite starburst brass flush mounts with many of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa the 1960s. Heavy quality and in good conditio...
Crystal, Brass
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
Petite Starburst Brass and Crystal Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful petite starburst brass flush mounts with many of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa the 1960s. Heavy quality and in good conditio...
Crystal, Brass
1950s Brass and Acrylic Cascade Pedant by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Schoorl, NL
The acrylic beading and contrasting brass elements add an air of opulence to this beautiful light. Height variable up from the light measuring in at 19 cm. As it is now 100cm in heig...
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
Midcentury Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Munich, DE
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
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
Snowball Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage grapje bunch handig lamp in glass, 1970s
Metal
Large Snowball Ceiling Light, Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
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
Midcentury Flush or Wall Mount Lamp by Emil Stejnar
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with four E14 sockets, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in Vienna in the 1950s.
Brass
$2,980 / set
Emil Stejnar Pair of Sconces
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Miami, FL
Two pairs. Of sconces by Emil Stejnar. 40 watt per socket, US wired and In Working condition. Priced by pair. Have a look on our the largest collection of French and Italian Mid-Cent...
Brass
Pair of Brass Glass Sconces by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A charming Viennese pair of wall lights in the form of bunches of flowers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. The pieces are m...
Crystal, Brass, Metal
Two Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two amazing illuminated round mirrors with background illumination and brass and Lucite flowers by Emil Stejnar. Looking in this mirror will t...
Metal
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
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 with hundreds of individual small glass reve...
Metal
$1,358Sale Price|25% Off
Gorgeous 1950s Acrylic Brass Cascade Pendant Lamp Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Beautiful and gorgeous Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency sparkling cascading lamp made of brass with plexiglass beads from the 1950s. The light fixture is intricately beaded with ...
Brass
Dandelion Sputnik Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1955
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
Mid-Century Chandelier "Sputnik" by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Mid-Century Chandelier "Sputnik" by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1950s Brass polished and stovre enameled e14 bulbs ( european )
Crystal, Brass
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
Pair of Fabulous Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Light Fixtures, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A magnificent pair of light brass Sputnik fixtures with copious amounts of Austrian crystals by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll. Cosmological. This glamorous delicate brass ‘Snowball’ Sputn...
Brass, Steel
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
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Oval Backlight Mirror Vienna Around 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, AT
Viennese Backlight Wall Mirror by Emil Stejnar with Glass Blossoms, 1950s Original condition
Glass, Mirror
$1,164 / item
Emil Stejnar Oval 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
$2,117Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Emil Stejnar Sculptural 'Pyra' Chandelier By Rupert Nikoll Vienna Austria
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This exquisite “Snowflake” chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in Vienna during the 1950s. A hallmark of Austrian mid-century lighting design, the piece featur...
Metal, Brass
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme, J.T. Kalmar
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
One of Two Emil Stejnar Sputnik Chandeliers, Brass Crystal Glass, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two outstanding 1950s Viennese Sputnik / blowball / snowball chandeliers / pendant lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria. Original pieces manufactured in M...
Brass, Metal
Large 33-Lights Chandelier Dandelion by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Munich, DE
A breath taking light object. Rare, lovely and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern 33-flamed sputnik chandelier 'dandelion'. Designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 195...
Brass
1 of 2 Large Emil Stejnar Flush Mount Lights Sconces, Brass Glass, Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and outstanding 1950s Viennese Sputnik / blow ball / snowball light fixtures by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, manufa...
Brass, Metal
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Palwa, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Very large dandelion wall lamp or ceiling lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with its lavishly decorated flowers and brass details has a very luxurious look and sparkles particularly beau...
Metal
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
Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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.
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
Mid-Century Modern Snowflake Flush Mount Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Vienna
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Snowflake Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Vienna Austria. Rare ceiling lamp by Rupert Nikoll based on a design by Emil Stejnar. Shown here in a part...
Metal
$1,877Sale Price|20% Off
Emil Stejnar handelier for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A striking gilded chandelier with Stejnar’s signature “snowflake” design, featuring multiple curved brass arms radiating outward, each ending in a cluster of delicate white enameled ...
Steel
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
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Palwa, Kinkeldey, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful dandelion wall lamp or ceiling lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with its lavish flowers and brass details has a very luxurious appearance and sparkles particularly beauti...
Metal
Flower Sputnik Chandelier by Emile Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s Sputnik chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria. Made of brass and hand-cut-glass crystals. It has 17 sockets for E14 bulbs ,in original good condition.
Brass
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
Flowers Vintage Round Backlit Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern Emil Stejnar 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Illuminating vintage wall mounted mirror by Emil Stejnar from the 1960s. Featured with glass flowers. Manufactured in Vienna by Rupert Nikoll. Perfect condition. Originally illuminat...
Art Glass, Mirror
1 of 3 Starburst Brass and Crystal Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful large starburst brass flush mount with hundreds of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa the 1960s. Heavy quality and in good cond...
Crystal, Brass