Tasting consists of three typical still-life objects: a vase, dish, and cup. The larger-than-life scale, manipulation of forms, and grey creviced surfaces embellished with gold leaf address issues about contemporary painting and sculpture, as well as the history of functional ceramics. The irregular gold lines suggest repairs made on traditional Japanese tea bowls as well as gilt decoration on European china. Adding an element of performance, Lord used his tongue to pierce through or “taste” the clay in numerous places.