Hi- This column is actually fabricated out of cast stone. There are various plaster application techniques for simulating such a look, though. Products such as ( http://armourcoat.com/products.php?pid=10) can be worked with to create varying textures, especially when aggregate is added...

Dear Andrew, love your ascetics and love that you would share. Thanks, Sandie

This is a very neat application! you can actually buy columns that look like this now. Well closely resembles this look http://blog.worthingtonmillwork.com/bid/225990/A-Unique-Collection-of-Polyurethane-Architectural-Millwork