Brass vs Kansa: What's the Difference?

Brass and kansa are both traditional to Indian metalware, but they're different alloys with different properties and uses.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a warm, golden-yellow colour, is relatively easy to cast and hand-finish, and is common in bottles, plates, trays and pooja items.

Kansa, also called bell metal, is an alloy of copper and tin. It has a darker, greyish sheen and is closely associated with traditional Ayurvedic dining practices in eastern and southern India.

In terms of care, both metals benefit from hand washing and immediate drying. Kansa is generally considered more reactive with acidic foods over long contact, so serving rather than storing is the traditional approach.

Neither metal is inherently 'better': the choice usually comes down to the occasion, the finish you prefer, and whether you're drawn to kansa's dining traditions specifically.