Gilbert Salt Locker Red Bud

This small salt locker, turned from redbud wood, is a rare and refined piece—its form simple and compact, yet brought to life by the natural beauty and color of its unique material. Redbud, an uncommon hardwood prized for its vivid grain and surprising tonal range, gives this vessel a character unlike any other.

The shape is a slightly rounded cylinder, where the vertical walls gently bulge outward at the center before tapering ever so subtly toward the top and bottom. This soft curve lends the piece a sense of warmth and approachability—more organic than strict geometry, but still clean and deliberate in its proportions.

Atop the locker sits a slightly domed lid, mirroring the curvature of the body and completing the form with a smooth, continuous profile. The dome is modest in height—just enough to give a visual lift and make the lid easy to grasp. A small, discreet lift or finger groove may be incorporated, allowing the lid to be removed with ease while preserving the minimalist design.

The redbud wood itself is the star of this piece. Often overlooked in fine woodworking, redbud offers striking beauty when revealed through careful craftsmanship. Its grain ranges from soft golden tan to rich, warm reddish-brown, sometimes with lavender, plum, or rose-toned streaks that dance subtly across the surface. Fine, tight-grained, and smooth to the touch, the wood has been sanded and buffed to a soft satin finish, enhancing its natural sheen without overwhelming its organic texture.

The interior is cleanly hollowed—smooth, spacious, and practical for holding a small amount of finishing salt. The walls are slightly thick, giving a sense of weight and permanence in the hand.

This small, slightly rounded cylindrical salt locker made from redbud wood with a slightly domed top is both a tactile pleasure and a visual gem—an uncommon material brought to life through simple, timeless design. Perfect for the kitchen, but beautiful enough for the table, it's a piece that invites both use and admiration.