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.
Patinated Brass Uplight Bowl Chandelier Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar, Florian Schulz
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large polished brass bowl up light chandelier / pendant light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of so...
Brass, Metal
Pendant Light, Aged Brass Glass, Rupert Nikoll, 1960s, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Glashütte Limburg
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very rare and exceptional patinated brass pendants by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). They are made of...
Brass
Pendant Light, Brass Cut-Glass, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A polished brass dome hanging lamp with cut crystal glass very likely manufactured by Austrian light maker Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, in Mid-Century, circa ...
Crystal, Brass
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
Large Kalmar Glass and Brass Pendant Light, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and exceptional pendant light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s-1970s. A large textured glass shade with drop shaped engravings is hanging on a brass mount...
Brass
Kalmar Pendant Light or Chandelier, Brass Glass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A textured glass and brass pendant light or chandelier by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A partly blackened and polished...
Brass
