Qing Dynasty Nobility
The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) of China developed a complicated peerage system for ranking nobility. All titles were to be inherited by a noble's eldest son, but always one grade lower. There were instances, however, when an emperor approved of a title being hereditary (i.e. inherited by the bearer's descendants over generations). This was regarded as an honour by the bearer of the title. Princes of the imperial clan were allowed to pass on their titles to their descendants without having the grades of the titles reduced. These princes were known as "Iron Cap Princes".
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Famous quotes containing the words qing and/or nobility:
“There cannot be peaceful coexistence in the ideological realm. Peaceful coexistence corrupts.”
—Jiang Qing (1914–1991)
“If you think that nobility consists of having sixteen ancestors rather than merit, great Prince, then you may—and you may also praise or condemn me.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)