Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Zi of Chu
Viscount of Chu
The history of the ruling house of Chu dates back to the early Zhou period. Its members bore the ancestral name Mi and the lineage name Xiong. Yuxiong, a learned advisor to King Wen of Zhou, was considered a prominent ancestor. His descendant Xiong Yi received a territory in the middle Yangtze region in the 11th century BC and the hereditary rank of a Zi, usually translated as a vice-governor.
From humble beginnings, over generations the family formed one of the most powerful states of ancient China. The early rulers explored new lands, united various ethnic groups, and developed an independent court culture. Under Xiong Tong, Chu gained such self-confidence that in 704 BC he assumed the royal title of King Wu. His successors expanded the empire along major rivers and made it a dominant force in the south.
Especially King Zhuang embodied the rise of the house in the 7th century BC. Ancient accounts describe him initially as a silent observer who carefully examined his surroundings before making decisive decisions. After achieving success in politics and the military, he was counted among the great hegemons of his time.
Chu also demonstrated an unparalleled cultural brilliance. Colourful lacquer work, music, poetry, and finely crafted bronzes reflected a world where courtly elegance and vivid naturalistic imagery combined. The poet and statesman Qu Yuan later became the most famous symbol of this culture.
In the 3rd century BC, Chu came increasingly under pressure from the rising Qin. In 223 BC, its territory became part of the future empire. The family nevertheless remained in memory: During the uprisings against Qin, a descendant, King Huai, was once again appointed with Xiong Xin. Names like Mi and Xiong, archaeological treasures and the poetry of the South still preserve the extraordinary legacy of this house today.
Sources: Chinese Text Project, ChinaKnowledge, University of Bologna, Indiana University
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Zi von Chu
On a red-and-black painted round panel, the golden sign 楚; on the side, two elongated dragon phœnix facing each other, surrounded by flowing clouds and snake ornaments; above, a bronze rank insignia.
Chu was a major southern state of the Zhou period. Its art is particularly known for its dragons, phœnixes, snakes, clouds, and fantastic hybrids; a European system of armorial bearings did not exist.
Sources: Hubei Provincial Museum / Google Arts & Culture, Henan Museum, Chu (state)
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
