About the Author

Akira Matsuda is an Associate Professor at the Department of Cultural Resources Studies, the University of Tokyo. He earned his PhD in public archaeology at University College London and is an Academic Associate at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. He serves as the Secretary of the World Archaeological Congress. His research focuses on the meaning, (re)presentation and use of the past in contemporary society. Luisa Elena Mengoni is Head of the V&A Gallery, Shekou and currently based in Shenzhen, where she coordinates the collaboration between the V&A and China Merchants Shekou. She formerly worked as a curator of Chinese art at the V&A and consultant on heritage projects in China. Holding a PhD in Chinese archaeology from University College London (UCL), she published on identity and ethnicity, Chinese export art and collecting history. Her current research interests focus on new developments of Chinese design and crafts, and the emergence of new museum models and creative hubs in China.