Works on Paper > The Thomas Project

Inspired by the look of Ming Dynasty Blue and White Ceramic Porcelain, with images, this cloth tells the story of Thomas’ life. He is born in Hong Kong, orphaned and adopted by a missionary woman from Philadelphia. When he is 7 years old, they leave for America on the promise that he will live with her, have an education so that he will return to China and be a missionary. Instead, she gives him to a doctor, who gifts Thomas to his sister in Baltimore and Thomas is enslaved. At 16, he runs away to Pennsylvania and joins the Union Army. He distinguishes himself at Spotsylvania. After the war, he marries and settles down to domestic life in Pennsylvania.