Definition:Mortens Studio

Mortens Studio (Royal Copenhagen-trained artist Oscar Mortens) represents the pinnacle of mid-century American canine ceramics. Founded in Chicago in the early 1940s, the studio became world-renowned for its “Morten’s Studio” line, which featured over 300 different models of dogs and horses. What sets Mortens pieces apart is the incredible realism and anatomical accuracy, achieved through a unique process of molding wire-reinforced “plaster-like” ceramic. Because of the wire interior and the fragile nature of the material, finding “MINT” condition Mortens pieces—especially those with the original foil label—is a thrill for any serious collector. These pieces are prized for their matte finishes and soulful expressions that capture the specific “spirit” of each breed, from the muscular Boxer to the delicate Chihuahua.