Folk Art Oddity In Shadowbox Frame order Realistic Carved Apple Head

I have never seen anything like this. An elaborately framed curiosity of a carved apple in the shape of a head. The features are so realistic, order he even has an Adam's apple and sideburns, or is he a Japanese Samurai? The stem was left on top of the head, I guess as proof that it is an apple. He has been painted and varnished. The framing is beautiful. There are a lot of reflections on the glass making it look cloudy, but it is clear. The head is mounted on a diamond shape that is covered in velvet and attached to a gold velvet background. The frame has a glass cover. There is something on the glass inside right above the eye. The piece would have to be taken apart to clean it off. The back is covered in paper and inscribed. with a gift message and date. I believe it also has the signature of the artist.

Joseph E. Cox Jr is possibly the artist, and the inscription reads: From Dee Dee and Rosa Maria Christmas 1976.


Measures 10 1/8" tall, 8 1/8" wide, and 2 1/2" deep. The head is 1 1/2" tall and 2 1/2" with the stem.