Exhibition preview: Inspired by Nature – The Traditional Cosmetics of Korea, Korean Cultural Centre, London, until April 6 2013

The largest collection of artefacts related to Korean cosmetic and beauty history spans as far back as 57 BC, but the biggest revelation might be that ladies from Goryeo between the tenth and late 14th centuries would favour willow-shaped eyebrows and light make-up using powder without rouge or blusher.

The Joseon Dynasty, which subsequently ruled for more than 500 years, was dominated by the restrained ethos of Confucianism, preferring expression through hair and apparel accessories.

Co-curated by Seoul’s Coreana Cosmetics Museum, this shining display goes a long way to revealing centuries of societal change. Goryeo specialised in tiny cases within containers, whereas the craftspeople of the later era manufactured the white and blue porcelain designs which were beloved of new brides.

The organic nature of some of the concoctions seems to emanate ancient wisdom: modest amounts of raw materials had to be used in the pre-preservative age, with oils commonly taken from apricot seeds and peaches and coloured by stone, kudzu and red clay or the white powder of ground rice and millet.

These ancient secrets are being revealed in a series of public, nature-inspired cosmetic and perfume-making workshops.

• Korean Cultural Centre, Strand, London. Open 10am-5pm (11am-5pm Saturday). Admission free. Follow the centre on Twitter @KCCUK.

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