I'm not a paper conservator, but I can give the name of one who has worked on
fans and is not on e-mail...
Theresa Andrews
Paper Conservator
(510) 482-4698
Perhaps she can answer some of your questions by the old fashioned phone
method. I hope this helps
Katharine Untch
Conservator of Fine Art Objects and Sculpture
President, Bay Area Art Conservation Guild
San Fransisco, CA