After reading some of the reviews, I was a bit skeptical but I ordered the cherry blossom design. I looked into the prices of umbrella stands and this was actually not pricey at all compared to what they typically cost...I had no idea that umbrella holders were so expensive in general. I received it today and I am very happy! The other reviews are correct about the color. I expected it to be grey where it is pictured as white and it is, in fact, grey and not white. I've never done ceramics but my mom has. I think this color thing results from the firing process but maybe I'm wrong. It is not a bad color, though, and I imagine it would be really nice with the blue patterns. Also, the quality is better than I expected from the reviews. The finish is smooth with no imperfections. The print around the top does not completely go all the way around but it does not impact the attractiveness of the holder. It is only a gap of less than half an inch and it is not really noticeable. It does make clear that the designs are decals that are put on before the holder is glazed. I don't have a problem with that at all. The job was nicely done. It came packed really well in styrofoam, then in a box, then in an even larger box. I had no problems with cracks or anything. I would recommend this holder...give it a try. I did and it worked out fine. (I have uploaded a pic to illustrate the color.)