Any idea who the designer might be?  

HI
Hi, this design is looking nice and I am too curious to know about this designer and from where to buy this as it is really beautiful, I hope to get more information about this.

What kind of wood is it?
Can you post a close up shot so that we can see the wood grain? That might help narrow down the region of origin.

One aim of every
rocker design is to keep the chair from overturning backward; this design seems ill-equipped in that regard . . .

I agree with SDR but it...
I agree with SDR but it looks like one would sit rather low in this chair. Maybe your legs would be out in front on you and that would keep you from going over backward.

For Michael Kelley
I am selling it right now for $ for my niece's college fund. $450 obo. Vancouver, BC.

Re:Question about the wood types.
It is 2, possibly 3 different types of wood. Some looks very purple-ish rosewood, some looks like a dark teak, and some may possibly be walnut. I've added a couple close-ups of the wood to the fickr set.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60245359@N04/

RE: About the possibility of tipping backwards.
Actually, there is absolutely no risk of tipping backwards in this chair as the centre of gravity shifts forward once it is sat in. We have discovered it is far more comfortable for taller/bigger people than petite ones. It also is more comfortable with a bolster or pillow at the back.