The front side (R) and the back side (L) of the popular napkin with the Chinese character JIONG, which could be viewed in a pictographic way to resemble facial expressions of sadness, frustration and especially embarrassment [Chongqing Economic Times]

A particular design of paper napkin displaying the Chinese character JIONG has recently become a favorite among internet users.

The paper towel's stardom was born when internet user Liang Jingjing posted several photos of the disposable object on the online forum "bbs.cqnews.net" last week.

The front of the napkin's packing is marked with the Chinese character "JIONG," which has been greatly welcome by the young in recent years. The character vividly resemble facial expressions of sadness, frustration and especially embarrassment in a pictographic way.

On the napkin, however, the character is stylized in a way that makes it look like it is viewing itself in a mirror -- or, in another design, rushing to the toilet. On the back of the napkin there are nine further versions of the Chinese character, each one designed in such a way as to represent a different facial expression. The pictures posted on the internet have rmade the napkins an object of desire for many Chinese internet users.

(CRI June 22, 2009)