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.
Small White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking small chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and c...
Metal
Attributed Emil Stejnar Chandelier Rupert Nikoll, Brass Crystal Glass 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and rare Mid-Century Modern chandelier attributed to the celebrated Austrian designer Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, dating to around 1950. This iconic fixture p...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$703Sale Price / item|73% Off
Three Floral Brass and Glass Sputnik Pendants by Emil Stejnar, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, Au
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
Large White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and celesti...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp 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 thi...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Starburst Chandelier Lamp Brass Glass Gold, Austria, 1970
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Emil Stejnar snowflake blowball chandelier for Rupert Nikoll, circa 1970, featuring a 23" sphere of dandelions and twenty-five bulbs per lamp. Exclusive 24-carat gold-plated model. T...
Gold, Brass
$6,093Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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
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
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
Floral Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Ernest Palme, Palwa
Located in München, DE
Wonderful floral wall or ceiling lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with the crystal glass flowers has a very luxurious appearance and sparkles particularly beautifully. The design and th...
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
Emil stejnar chandelier around 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, Au
Emil stejnar chandelier around 1950s Original condition Only new wired
Brass
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Brass & Crystal Chandelier, Light, 1960s, Austria
By Paavo Tynell, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern ceiling light, manufactured by Rupert Nikoll in 1960's, Austria, Vienna. This chandelier is a striking appearance in every room. Elegant shape and high q...
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
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
$1,274Sale 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
$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
Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll vienna around 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wien, Au
Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Crystal, Brass
Austrian Beaded Glas Flower Lead Crystal Lantern, Rupert Nikoll, 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
Lager Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp, steel lacquered with glass blossoms and pearls. Designed in the 1950s in Vienna by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Fitted with four E27 up to 100W sockets. On requ...
Steel
Brass Beaded Crystal Glass Flower Pendant Lantern by Emil Stejnar, Austria 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
Fabulous Emil Stejnar Snowball Orbit Sputnik Chandelier Vintage Austria 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, sputnik chandelier, glass, crystal, brass, Austria 1960s or older. Large brass 'Snowball' Sputnik chandelier, made in Vienna in the 1960s. Designed by...
Metal
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
Dandelion Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Ernest Palme, J.T. Kalmar, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, 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 Chandelier Rupert Nikoll, Brass Crystal Glass, Lucite Vienna, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
$1,776Sale Price|24% Off
Emil Stejnar handelier for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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
Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Ernest Palme, Palwa, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in München, DE
Wonderful pendant lamp from the 1950s. The lamp with the crystal glass flowers has a very luxurious charisma and sparkles particularly beautiful. The design and the materials used cr...
Metal
Beautiful small mid-century pendant lamp by Emil Stejnar in a trumpet shape
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Beautiful small Mid-Century Modern metal pendant lamp by Emil Stejnar in the shape of a trumpet. The entire lamp is made of metal. The shade is adorned with glass flowers and embelli...
Metal
Rare Austrian Mid- Century Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare mid - century polished and lacquered brass and metal 12 -arms chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, circa 1950s. Socket: 12 x e14 for standard screw bulbs. Pair of matching wa...
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
Flush Mount Ceiling Chandeliers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel lacquered with glass blossoms and pearls. Designed in the 1950s in Vienna by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Fitted with three E27 sockets. On request shorter or longer rod. Tw...
Steel
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
austrian mid century emil stejnar CHANDELIER hanging lamp dandelion sputnik ceil
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Mannheim, DE
Magnificent Austrian mid century chandelier designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Vienna in the mid 1950s. Material brass, white painted metal and glass. A total of 33 arms ext...
Brass
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
1 of 2 Emil Stejnar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
$2,999Sale Price / item|37% Off
Emil Stejnar Starburst Brass Glass Chandeliers, Refurbished 1950
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
1 out of 2 fully refurbished 18" ball lights by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria circa 1955- sold per piece Gorgeous set of 2 sparkling chandeliers in the original iconic des...
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
Beautiful Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, Au
Beautiful Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll around 1960s Original condition
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
$1,171Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
1 of 3 Petie Starburst Brass Pendant Lights by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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
Emil Stejnar Twelve Arms Brass and Crystal, 1950s Pendant
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original early Viennese chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from the 1950s. Made of brass, red lacquered metal and hand cut crystals. Excellent condition. It takes twelve sm...
Crystal, Brass, Metal
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
Midcentury Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
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
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
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
$1,519Sale 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
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
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