47" J.L. Lobmeyr Metropolitan Opera Sputnik Crystal Brass Met Chandelier

An iconic large mid-century Metropolitan Opera exploding star / starburst atomic Sputnik chandelier, designed by Hans Harald Rath in 1966 and executed by J. & L. Lobmeyr in Vienna, Austria. This chandelier is a custom-made special order with a stretched shape (width 47", depth 32"), so it is oval / elliptical rather than round, which makes it even more special. It is based on the chandeliers presented by the Republic of Austria in 1966 as a gift for the opening of the new Metropolitan Opera House (the Met) at Lincoln Center, New York. Side note: The inspiration for this design came from the architect of the Met, Wallace K. Harrison, who presented images of distant galaxies to the designer Hans Harald Rath. According to family legend, Rath demonstrated the very first prototype using a potato with toothpicks. Dated around the 2010s, this impressive Austrian chandelier is entirely handmade of nickel-plated polished brass and adorned with numerous sparkling, hand-cut Swarovski crystals. It remains in very good original condition and is complete. The fixture features 16 light sources and will be delivered rewired for the standards of your country (e.g. E14 for EU or E12 for US with UL listed material). It measures 47 X 32", with a total drop height of 53", while the fixture itself is approximately 25" high. We are happy to adjust the drop height to your specifications at no additional cost. This is a spectacular chandelier based on a design with a fascinating history, preserved in very good condition.