Čentrin
Čentrin is a small decorative centerpiece of various shapes made of crochet lace or embroidered, placed on bedside tables, chests of drawers, tables, trays, under vases and other decorative objects.
Between the 1960s and 1980s the čentrin was extremely popular combined with crystal. In wealthier families it was part of a woman's dowry. The 19th century saw an increasing number of schools across Europe nurturing a specific technique of crochet lace i.e. čentrin. Istria had so-called local schools, as separate institutions or within other schools or convents. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the unčinet (crochet technique) became the most popular technique of lace making and čentrin production that dominated over all other techniques. Crocheting is even nowadays the most popular technique of making the čentrin. A great number of journals published across the world, specialized in this type of handicraft, promote such a technique. The čentrin made in the area of Vodnjan is probably of Venetian origin, made with a needle and without support or pattern.
In Vodnjan women made the čentrin with the use of support and bobbin, and for decades it has also been produced mechanically.
Lace is used much less in decorating homes, especially with young generations, although women making the centrin can still be seen. In the past few years, wishing to preserve this valuable object and handicraft, the women of Vodnjan organize exhibitions on the occasion of Woman’s Day.
