Known in Thai as kae sa luk, fruit carving is an art form that requires extreme dedication, subtlety, and an eye for detail. Any fruit or vegetable can become a work of art in the hands of a skilled fruit carver, like cucumbers, apples, or strawberries. One of the most popular choices is watermelon, which is commonly carved into layered flowers, three-dimensional roses, intricate petals, and even delicate swans.

It’s commonly believed that fruit carving originated in China during the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from AD 618-906. Today, these edible pieces of art are not only used in cultural and traditional ceremonies, they can also be found in households, hotels, and restaurants.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, fruit carving is an art and craft in its own right. The first watermelon carvings date back to the Sukhothai dynasty that ruled in the XIV century.

The legend says that during the reign of King Phra Ruang, in 1364, the Lady Nang Noppomart wanted her raft to stand out amongst the others in the festival. So she took a flower as a template and carved it into a vegetable. She also carved a tiny bird to sit in the flower. Her skills are said to have impressed King Phra Ruan so much that he decided all Thai women should master it.

These days, fruit and vegetable carvings have gone mainstream and reached Western audiences. It’s widely incorporated into luxury cuisine, wedding displays, and lavish decors.