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.
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
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
Midcentury Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
$1,556Sale 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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
$6,512Sale Price|20% Off
Emil Stejnar Dandelion Floor Lamp, Sputnik Snowball Floor Lamp for Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This spectacular Sputnik floor lamp looks like a flowers explosion.It features a multitude of brass rods ending with bulbs or clear crystal flowers. E...
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
$1,382Sale 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
Emil Stejnar Chandelier Rupert Nikoll, Brass Crystal Glass, Lucite 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
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, Brass
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
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
Emil Stejnar Sputnik Snowflake Chandelier Pendant Light, Gold Brass Glass, 1970
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large Sputnik chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar and manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. This beautiful light fixture is made of a 24-carat gold plated / gilt / gild brass fra...
Brass
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
$1,910Sale 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
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Ernest Palme, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Palwa, Bakalowits & Söhne
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
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
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
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme, Emil Stejnar, J.T. Kalmar, Bakalowits & Söhne
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
$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
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
$1,556Sale Price / item|27% Off
Two Emil Stejnar Brass Crystal Flush Mounts or Sconces, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, AT
Two Emil Stejnar brass crystal flush mounts or sconces, Austria for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s Original condition Priced and sell per piece.
Crystal, Brass
Emil Stejnar Flush Mount Light, 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful, delicate 7-light brass fixture with copious amounts of Austrian crystals by Emil Stejnar for Nikoll, can be wall or ceiling mounted, wired for US standards, seven E14 sock...
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
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
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, Palwa, Bakalowits & Söhne, Kinkeldey
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
Glass and Brass 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
$1,302Sale 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
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.
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 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
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
Impressive Brass and Glass Chandelier Designed by Emil Stejnar
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Emil Stejnar snowball chandelier form 1960s, brass construction and gold colored socket covers accented with crystal flowers and beads. Twelve E14 sockets. Two pieces available pr...
Brass
$2,155Sale 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
Mid-Century Modern Snowflake Flush Mount Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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 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
$418Sale 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
Glass and Brass Sputnik 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
Mid century glass sputnik chandelier, 1970s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century sputnik chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. 1960s Austria Tested and ready to use. We can change the chain length if desired. Works with E14 light...
Chrome
Lovely Mid Century Modern Brass & Bubble Glass Pendant Lamp by Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid Century Modern Brass & Bubble Glass Pendant Lamp by Rupert Nikoll, 1960s Austria / Wien Dimensions Width: 7.87 in. (20 cm) Height adjustable: 19.68 - 41.33 in. (50 - 150 ...
Metal
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Palwa, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, 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
Emil Stejnar Snowball Sputnik Snowflake Chandelier Newly Rewired for USA
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Firenze, Toscana
A rare 10 light snowflake sputnik chandelier designed by Emill Stejnar for Nikoll. This will be arriving completely newly rewired with certified US UL sockets for USA and ready to h...
Crystal, Metal
Large Oval Stejnar Flower Glass & Brass Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
Starburst Brass Chandelier 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 1960s. Heavy quality and in good conditio...
Crystal, Brass
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
Amazing 17-Lights Chandelier Dandelion by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
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
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
Beautiful Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, AT
Beautiful Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1960s Original condition
Brass
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
$1,436Sale 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
Large Flower Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flower shaped flush mount designed by Emil Stejnar in Austria, 1960s. It features a brass frame with hundreds of crystal glasses surrounding the frame creating a spectacular f...
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
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