Starburst Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar, Austria, 1960s

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.

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.