In September 2000, I attended Ron Martin's Bonsai festival, and there was a demonstration of two well known Bonsaist (maybe Ron could fill in the names). In both cases the wood was wired into the pot. In one instance the demonstrater used three eye screws. These were attached to the dead wood amd then wired from the eye hook through the drainage holes in the pots. Obviously, the wood was in the soil. In fact it was mentioned that the wood would rot over time.
I used the same method, however, I used Min-wood hardener on the wood, which should be applied out doors, and then throw the brush away! Of course, I treated several pieces of Tanuki (hopefully)wood at the same time.
I hope this helps.
