DALLAS, TX.- A California Walnut Custom Rocking Chair, handcrafted by Sam Maloof, 2002, highlights the work behind the world's most celebrated designers, makers, and artists in Heritage Auctions' 20th & 21st Century Art + Design Auction Oct. 10 in Dallas. Curated with an emphasis on the American Studio Movement, the auction provides both veteran collectors and first-time buyers a celebration of the hand-crafted object.

"This auction is a tribute to the visionaries of the late 20th Century whose desire for self-expression and a deeper connection to Nature influenced their creative work. These 20th Century artists and makers sought to turn the Earth's elements such as clay, fiber, wood, even feathers into design that defines the Post War period," said Katie Nartonis, Consignment Director for Fine & Decorative Arts. "This sale, combing the work of designers from around the globe with a special selection of American design, will appeal to our dynamic and engaged collecting public."

Custom Rocking Chair, 2002 (est. $25,000-$35,000+), is the most famous form to come from Sam Maloof, the artist now widely considered the most important Post-War West Coast furniture maker. Nationally recognized as a founding figure of the American Studio Craft movement his work is owned by collectors across the country, including his friend and former fellow woodworker, President Jimmy Carter.

A second Maloof commission, a rare and Early Dining Table with End Table Extensions, dates to 1961 and appears at auction from a private Los Angeles collection (est. $35,000-$55,000) which also offers an extraordinary Early Credenza, 1961, (est. $18,000-$25,000) and a rare set of Eight Early Dining Chairs, 1961 (est. $40,000-$60,000). A work reminiscent of Nakashima's style comes from artist Arthur Espenet Carpenter, III, whose Modernist Side Table, 2013, is fashioned from oak burl (est. $3,000-$5,000).

Additional studio furniture creations include work by famed Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, who lent his hand and eye to furniture design in order to create the sleek and sexy Typogram Lounge Chair, 2008 (est. $15,000-$20,000) and four works by George Nakashima: a Free-Edge Conoid Coffee Table, circa 1975 (est. $20,000-$30,000) and a "Sanso" Dining Table ($25,000-$35,000) in addition to a set of Seven Grass-Seated Chairs, circa 1960 ($8,000-$12,000) and a Rocking Chair (est. $2,500-$3,000). A

Three additional objects that have been elevated to sculptural achievements include an Electrolier Chandelier from the Chicago Auditorium Building, 1886, by Louis H. Sullivan (est. $30,000-$50,000), an American Mid-Century Table, with walnut and maple accents (est. $5,000-$7,000) and a pair of Jean Prouve Potence Swing-JibLamps (est. $15,000-$25,000).

The auction also introduces collectors to the works of Mid-Century artist Tom Laursen and renowned feather artist Nicki Marx.

The serigraph Horizontal Day, 1955 (est. $1,200-$1,500), is one of 12 artworks on offer, which marks the first time Tom Laursen's work has ever come to fine auction. A hidden gem, this collection of prints from the 1950's and acrylic sculptures from the 1970's represents an intriguing slice of Laursen's creative output.

Also making an auction debut at Heritage is a White Chicken Feather and Rawhide Wearable by Marx (est. $1,500-$2,000), one of seven artworks by the artist in the sale. The offering of her work includes rare and historical pieces from the artist's private collection dating from the 1970s, just as she was first becoming nationally recognized, including Vest, 1979, (est. $3,000-$5,000) and Cummerbund, 1975, (est. $1,500-2,000) The auction also includes newer works from her wearable fashion jewelry line.

The auction's studio jewelry selection include Pablo Picasso's hand-crafted pendant Visage, circa 1950, ($10,000-$15,000), Nike la Victoria, 1977, a necklace by Paul Wunderlich ($10,000-1$5,000), and Micro David a pendant by Miguel Berrocal (est. $600-$800).