About
Our journey
Tinkalu was born in 2017 out of a simple necessity: we were looking for tableware we couldn't find anywhere. Understated in its expression. Delicate in its surface. Visually harmonious. What began as a design project evolved into a focused exploration of form, proportion, and the question: when is an object truly suitable for everyday use? Today, Tinkalu is a tableware brand with a deliberately curated collection. Each piece integrates seamlessly into daily life. It's perfect for any setting where things need to be durable and unobtrusive. The focus is on quality, restraint, and the small rituals of daily life. Every plate, every bowl, every cup is made of high-quality porcelain and is tested in real-world use before becoming part of the collection. So that it feels just right the moment you use it.
It all began by chance. In a small antique shop in Ho Chi Minh City, Tina discovered an antique rice cart. Intricately carved, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. The carvings found their way onto jacquard towels and color-coordinated bath mats. Not as copies, but as memories. She founded the label Bô Saigon. Tradition and elegance: Bô Saigon stands for bath textiles that are more than just functional items. Soft to the touch, serene in expression, thoughtfully designed in every detail. They give your bathroom something that defies easy definition. But is immediately palpable.
In northern Vietnam, the art of pottery production has been passed down through families since the 15th century. The fine, pliable clay of this region gives each piece its unique quality. High-quality kaolin is poured into handcrafted plaster molds. The plaster draws the water from the clay, the mineral components condense against the mold walls, and the raw piece is formed. This is then smoothed by hand, fired, inspected, and finished. Only then is the inside glazed. Around 90% of the workforce is female. Porcelain production has a long tradition and creates real opportunities. Minor irregularities are the mark of the individual maker. Dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant, made for everyday use, but not mass-produced. Each piece is inspected before being carefully packaged and arriving at our warehouse in Germany.
