How to attach Gongshi (scholar stone) to wooden base?
This might be an odd one, but I'd like to make scholar stones (look them up). I live in a place with karst limestone and have a collection of impressive, hole filled, coral looking stones ranging from pocket sized to over 100lbs.
I like the traditional examples that are standing on end and look delicately balanced.
I am both a skilled woodworker and stone stacker. Finding the center of gravity and scribing the stone to the wood is not difficult. I have a stone nicely balanced in a form fit recess on a platform, but it is still easy to tip over. Some examples I've seen are massive stones balanced on a tiny leg. They must be attached to their bases by more than gravity.
How the heck did they do it in the Tang Dynasty? I can find no information.
I thought to drill in from the bottom, but the masonry bit tends to crack the stone.
Epoxy is another option, but neither of these would be traditional.
Does anyone have a clue?