The original form of the Gyotai is said to be originated from a fish-like shaped tally (in Wei Dynasty [the Three States period], it was the shape of a turtle) and a leather bag specified in a statute of China.
これの原型は中国の律令で定められた魚に似た形の割符（曹魏(三国)では亀の形という）と皮袋に由来すると言われる。