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.
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
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Kinkeldey, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, Palwa
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
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
$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
Large Midcentury Flush Mount Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting - iconic type - very representative - very good original condition
Metal, Brass
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 Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Bakalowits & Söhne, Palwa, Ernest Palme
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
Lucite Flowers Vintage Backlit Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern Emil Stejnar 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage backlit oval wall mirror with many lucite flowers by Emil Stejnar 1950s Vienna. This stunning wall mirror oval like from white lacquered metal features ma...
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
Glass and Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
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
1950s Brass and Acrylic Cascade Table Lamps 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 these beautiful lights. We have more lights of the same style in stock. Also in different shapes and sizes.
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
Emil Stejnar for Nikoll Chandelier, 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and delicate fourteen-light brass fixture by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll with copious amounts of Austrian crystals, overall height can be adjusted, wired for US standards, four...
Metal, Brass
Large Emil Stejnar Sputnik Chandelier Rupert Nikoll, Brass Copper, Vienna, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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, Copper
Large 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 1960s. Heavy quality and in good condition...
Crystal, Brass
$1,420Sale Price|20% Off
Cascade Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Pineapple Design, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare, extraordinary cascade lamp by Emil Stejnar. Manufacturer: Nikoll, Vienna, Austria. The balls consist of many acrylic beads, with a brass top. Design of a pineapple. The bal...
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 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 Blowball Sputnik Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning Mid-Century sputnik dandelion blowball chandelier, designed by Emil Stejnar and produced by Rupert Nikoll Vienna / Austria in the 1950s. This early model features a centra...
Crystal, Brass
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
Huge 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 1960s. Sockets: 32 x E14 bulbs. Very good...
Crystal, Brass
$1,763 / 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. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. Th...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stejnar Blowball Brass & Crystal Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and unusual hemispherical blowball snowflake dandelion sputnik chandelier, designed by Emil Stejnar, manufactured in the 1950s by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna. An early model wi...
Crystal, Brass, Nickel
1950’s Brass, Lucite & Crystal Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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
Floral Emil Stejnar Modernist Brass Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Viennese mid century brass crystal chandelier. Designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s. In very good condition with charming patina. Please n...
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
One of Three Emil Stejnar Pendant Lights Chandeliers, Brass Glass, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
Set of Three Emil Stejnar Sputnik Flush Mount Lights, Brass Crystal Glass, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three gorgeous 1950s Viennese Sputnik / blowball / snowball flush mount lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria. Original vintage pieces manufactured in m...
Brass, Metal
Pyra Chandelier Crystal & Brass by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant Pyra chandelier constructed of brass with cream colored painted florets and socket covers accented with crystal flowers and beads. This beautiful polished brass chandelier which has a beautiful patina supports clusters of dandelions that are illuminated by 6 light sources to make this a truly Stunning chandelier. Emil Stejnar designed this chandelier in 1955 for the Vienna Cafe "Ohne Pause Espresso" at Graben. "Der Graben" is one of the most famous streets in Viennas first district, the city center. In 1939 Emil Stejnar was trained as a gold- and silversmith in his hometown Vienna. In his lighting designs this background clearly shows in his attention to ornament and his keen eye for detail. This spectacular pendant lamp evokes associations with both nature and science. Designed by Emil Stejnar for Rubert Nikoll...
Crystal, Brass, Enamel
$414Sale Price / set|68% Off
Emil Stejnar Brass and Glass Sconces
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
$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
Amazing 17-Lights Chandelier Dandelion by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Munich, DE
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
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
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
Beautiful Huge Oval Illuminated Mirror Designed by Emil Stejnar
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Illuminating vintage mirror by Emil Stejnar from the 1960s. Manufactured in Vienna by A. Rupert Nikoll. Perfect condition. Originally illuminated with neon tube but now rebuild to ...
Steel
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
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
$2,400
Emil Stejnar Pendant
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant petite pendant by Emil Stejnar. 12" diameter globe. Brass frame with crystal globes and stars. Perfect for an entryway, bathroom, hallway or closet. Overall height will be ad...
Brass
$1,029 / 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
Floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Ruper Nikoll, 1950, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Brussels, BE
Floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Ruper Nikoll, 1950, Austria
Metal
Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful large starburst brass flushmount with hundreds of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa 1960s. Heavy quality and in good condition...
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
1 of 3 Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Beautiful large starburst brass flush-mount light with hundreds of crystals designed by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, manufactured in Austria, circa 1960s. Heavy quality and in good co...
Crystal, 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
Large Pendant Light with Aged Brass Glass by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
1950s Brass and Acrylic Cascade Pedant by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Schoorl, NL
The acrylic beading and contrasting brass elements add an air of opulence to this beautiful light. We have more of the same style, different shapes, in stock. Also matching table lig...
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
$1,171 / 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
Emil Stejnar Chandelier Sputnik 1955 Metal Iron Plexiglass Austria 33 Lights
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Milano, IT
Chandelier Sputnik 1955 Emil Stejnar 1955 metal iron plexiglass Austria 33 lights.
Metal
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
Stunning Flower Wall Sconce by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Nice flower shaped wall sconce or flush mount designed by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned,...
Glass
Stunning Flower Wall Sconce by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Nice flower shaped wall sconce or flush mount designed by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned,...
Glass
1 of 3 Starburst Brass and Crystal Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
Pair of Emil Stejnar Dandelion Sputnik table lamps
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Cork, IE
UK & EUROPE CUSTOMERS: PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A CUSTOMIZED SHIPPING QUOTE! This spectacular pair of sparkling table lamps by Emil Stejnar is truly a rare find and an absolute delight...
Brass
Stunning Flower Wall Sconce by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Nice flower shaped wall sconce or flush mount designed by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, w...
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
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 aged 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 ...
Brass
Emil Stejnar Austria Six Light Brass Blown Glass Flush Mount Sputnik Orbit, 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Miami, FL
Emil Stejnar six light sputnik pendant lamp, orbit chandelier in brass and blown glass elements by Rupert Nikoll. Original condition wired for the US and takes 6 Light Bulbs max. 40...
Brass