Gyotaku (Japanese 魚拓, from gyo "fish" + taku "rubbing")
Dating from the 1800's, gyotaku, is a Japanese fish printing method. This form was and is used by fishermen and women to record their catches. Essentially, it is a print made with inks or paints placed directly on the fish and the paper is then laid over the top and rubbed until a transfer occurs. It is a one of kind, print, otherwise known as a monotype.
The red signature is know as a hanky and is a signature stamp. Used by artists and businessmen this stamp has history dating back to AD 57.
