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
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
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
Emil Stejnar Style Brass, Glass and Acrylic Pearls Flush Mount, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glass and brass flush mount with with glass and acrylic pearls. Made in the style of Emil Stejnar, around 1950 in Austria, Europe. Measures: Ø 15.75". This glamorous flush mount is ...
Brass
Lovely Mid Century Modern Brass & Bubble Glass Pendant Lamp by Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
Pair of Large Dandelion Crystal Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar
Located in London, GB
A highly decorative pair of large Dandelion, or “Snowball”, crystal chandeliers, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 1950s, Austrian. These iconic mid-century chandelie...
Metal, 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
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
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
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
$646Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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
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
$1,502Sale 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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Modern Snowflake Light Installation Emil Stejnar Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Austrian Double Snowflake Light Installation by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, 1950s A unique double “Snowflake” rod pendant light by Rupert Nik...
Metal
Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Brass and glass chandelier by Emil Stejnar. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
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
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
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
Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar , Austria 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
dimensions: 55cm Height , 40cm Diameter Period: 1960's Material: Brass , 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
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Palwa, Kinkeldey, Bakalowits & Söhne, 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
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
Austrian Mid-Century Modern 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, 7x E14 sockets...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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
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
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
Sputnik Snowball Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction chromed fitted with E14 sockets. Glass pearls and glass elements, designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s.
Brass, Chrome
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Ernest Palme, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Palwa
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
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 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
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
Large 33-Lights Chandelier Dandelion by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, BY
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
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
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
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
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
Dandelion Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Palwa, Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, 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
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
Large Emil Stejnar Brass and Glass Snowflake Sputnik Starburst Flush Mount Light
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
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
$1,155Sale 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
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 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.
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
$14,791Sale Price|20% Off
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