The word "gyotaku" is a japanese word that comes from chinese characters.
gyo: fish
aku: stone monument rubbing

It is an asian art that originated during the early 1800's. Prior to the mid 1900's this art was better known as "gyo-shu" or "uo-zuri", which means "to print" or "to rub" a fish. Another common expression was "gyo-kei" or "uo-gata", meaning "impression" or "form or shape" of a fish. In Japan, fishermen would make gyotaku to preserve records of their catches. The oldest gyotaku was found in japan, dating back to 1862.