The story of Hitkari Fine China began in India with two friends, an air pump & tool box. They worked repairing bicycles to build a business to support their families during the hardships of the partition of India in 1947. They established a china manufacturing company, using local raw materials, which became known for delicate flowers on pristine china. Hitkari means “someone who works for the greater welfare of society”. Back then, one’s china tea service was the hallmark of elegance and refinement. There was a set for morning tea, a separate set for dinner, both formal and informal and another for special occasions. There were sets for summer, decorated in cool pastels and winter sets in warm colors. Hitkari’s china business was at its height in the 1980’s when it was exporting to England where all fine bone china had once been imported from. The next generations fell into internal disputes and the company is no more. This set of 15 cups and saucers were made in India. They have delicate blue flowers, tiny pink flowers and pastel greenery set on water all set on Bone China delicate enough to see light through. The cup & saucer’s edges are gilded. The footed cup has an attached half heart handle. These make any teatime a special occasion.