[3] Chaozu originated from a Buddhist rosary sent in 1643 by the Dalai Lama to Emperor Shunzhi;[3] it was then redesigned by the Manchu to include new elements.

[1] The chaozu is based on the 108-beaded Buddhist rosary;[4]: 52  it however shifted from being a religious object to being a symbol of social status while only maintaining some liturgic function.

[2][1] The Qing dynasty regulated the materials used for each court rank,[1] including types of precious stones and the colour of the silk tapes and cords.

[5] There is also a long pendant hanging at the back which acts as a large counterbalance to keep the necklace in place called beiyun (lit.

[5][6] There is also 3 small dangling counterbalances which is attached to the necklace called shuzhu (i.e. 'counting strings') with each containing 8 memory beads (jinian er).