Serif Normal Kikum 3 is a regular weight, normal width, high contrast, italic, short x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, book text, literature, branding, invitations, classic, formal, literary, refined, scholarly, classic italic, text elegance, editorial voice, traditional tone, oldstyle, calligraphic, bracketed, tapered, lively.
This serif has a calligraphic, oldstyle foundation with pronounced stroke contrast and a consistently right-leaning italic construction. Serifs are bracketed and tapered, with sharp triangular terminals that give strokes a crisp finish. Curves are broad and slightly asymmetric, and the joins and entry strokes show a pen-like modulation rather than purely geometric construction. Proportions feel traditional: capitals are stately and open, while the lowercase is compact with a relatively small x-height and generous ascenders and descenders, creating an elegant vertical rhythm.
It suits editorial typography such as magazines, books, and long-form reading where a classic italic voice is desired for emphasis, titles, and pull quotes. The refined contrast and sharp detailing also work well for premium branding, packaging, and invitations, particularly at medium to larger sizes where its terminals and modulation can be appreciated.
The overall tone is classic and bookish, with a refined, editorial sensibility. Its italic energy adds movement and sophistication, evoking traditional printing, literary titles, and formal correspondence. The sharp terminals and high contrast contribute a sense of precision and authority.
The design appears intended to deliver a traditional, pen-informed serif italic that feels authoritative and cultivated while maintaining a lively rhythm in continuous setting. Its proportions and detailing suggest a focus on classic readability and an elevated, literary tone rather than blunt utility.
In text, the strong contrast and narrow internal joins create a lively texture that reads as distinctly italic rather than simply slanted roman. Numerals follow the same calligraphic logic, with varied silhouettes and noticeable thick–thin modulation, helping them blend naturally with running text while still feeling characterful.