The melon Michelangelos: Amazing sculptures carved from fruit

With their green skins and a hint of red flesh, there is something familiar about these artworks.

A closer look reveals they are carved out of watermelons — and these photographs, capturing their intricate designs, are the latest sensation to sweep the internet.

The art form originated in the Far East 700 years ago when the carved fruit were often presented to royalty at banquets.

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Mutant turtle: This reptile berries a juicy fruit salad beneath its shell

They used to take the form of legendary figures and flowers, but today anything goes, from waddling penguins to the Taj Mahal.

Many of these examples are the handiwork of hotel chef Takashi Itoh. Inspired by carvings he saw on holiday in Thailand in 2001, Itoh took three weeks to teach himself the skill — which usually takes years to perfect.

Using a tiny knife, he slices each portrait by hand. Simple designs can take as little as 20 minutes, while more detailed works require between 40 and 90 minutes to finish.

Blooming wonderful: Two delicate rose sculptures showcase Itoh's handiwork

You're twisting my melon, man: This red-fleshed fella appears riled

Taskashi, from Tokyo, admits that his is an unusual hobby.

'Watermelons are so colourful and as it is one of the bigger fruits I can make more powerful and interesting creations,’ he says. Each sculpture lasts two days, before the artist eats it.

The craft hasn’t yet caught on in Britain, but the first homegrown watermelons, from Staffordshire, are about to hit the shops.

Maybe this Halloween we’ll be carving ghoulish faces into watermelons instead of pumpkins.