The Art of the Hand: Diagnosis and Appraisal of Joseon Dynasty Finger Painting ( <i>Jiduhwa</i> )

Abstract Finger painting, known as Jiduhwa (指头画), represents a distinctive genre of painting that utilizes the artist’s hands, fingers, and nails as primary tools, rather than conventional implements such as brushes or bamboo sticks. This unique medium presents inherent challenges, particularly concerning ink control, as the ink on fingers dries rapidly, making precise release difficult compared to the controlled absorption and release of ink by brush bristles. Nevertheless, while it may be arduous to achieve the elaborate and meticulous detail characteristic of brush painting, the concise and unique strokes inherent to finger painting can convey powerful or evocative expressions. This paper addresses this critical issue by presenting discerning methods for diagnosing and appraising controversial Joseon Dynasty paintings, aiming to determine if they are indeed finger paintings. The inherent ambiguity of the medium necessitates a rigorous approach to authentication, which is critical for establishing artistic lineages, understanding cultural exchange, and even determining market valuation. This study therefore contributes to the methodological framework for the diagnosis of East Asian finger painting.