Fu Manchu - Kelloggs Rice Krispies mask (1953) - backside

This striking and highly controversial Fu Manchu mask was printed on the backside of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies boxes in 1953, reflecting a time when cereal companies routinely offered cut-and-wear masks as built-in premiums. Part of a short-lived set, this mask draws on outdated stereotypes that today are recognized as offensive—but as a piece of mid-century advertising history, it provides rare insight into the cultural climate of the early 1950s.

Because these masks were printed directly on cereal boxes and meant to be cut out and used by children, most were discarded or destroyed. Surviving examples—especially in clean condition—are exceptionally scarce, making this one of the most sought-after cereal-box masks among collectors.

Maker: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies

Year: 1953

Character: “Fu Manchu”

Format: Backside-of-box cutout mask

Size: Approx. 7.5 x 10 inches

Condition: Vintage cutout with age wear, but retains strong color and striking presentation.