The Rupert Nikoll lighting company’s biggest claim to glory came from producing work by the skilled Austrian jeweler and lighting designer Emil Stejnar. He designed several lighting and mirror pieces for the Austrian company. Stejnar had a penchant for symmetrical, rounded forms, often emulating starbursts or floral blossoms in his designs.
Very little information is recorded about the Rupert Nikoll lighting company or its namesake. The company was established in Vienna, Austria, in 1908, and later opened a branch in Munich, Germany. In 1966, its Vienna factory was relocated to Ober-Grafendorf, Austria, about 40 miles away. The company went out of business in 1986, closing the doors of all of its factories.
Decades later, Rupert Nikoll chandeliers and floor lamps still stand the test of time. 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, the 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 collectors and interior designers. The company is also celebrated for its Sumatra floor lamp, crafted from brass and featuring a curved spine and bipodal base.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Rupert Nikoll lighting, mirrors and more to illuminate your space.
Brass Vintage Mid-Century Modern Splayfoot Floor Lamp Rupert Nikoll 1950 Austria
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass vintage Mid-Century Modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Rupert Nikoll, 1950, Austria. This stunning floor lamp was made of polished brass tube with a plastic string ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Walnut Glass Chandelier Rupert Nikoll Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic six-arm chandelier by Rupert Nikoll from the 1950s from brass, walnut and patterned opaline glass shades, Vienna. This stunning chandelier shows si...
Brass
Rupert Nikoll Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Floor Lamp Josef Frank Shade
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Rupert Nikoll designed and executed this beautiful example of Viennese floor lamps from the Mid-Century Modern era in the 1950s. The floor lamp was made of brass tube and a wooden ha...
Brass
Midcentury Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll With Silk Shades
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with 6-arms each fitted with E27 sockets. Made in Vienna by Rupert Nikoll in the early 1950s.
Brass