Through the early Islamic, Early Medieval and Late Medieval periods, the leadership of the Mediterranean region changed rapidly. Due to the constant political/religious change, many cultural and artistic ideas traveled around North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe. For example, Islamic people took the idea of white Chinese porcelain and painted theirs vibrant colors and luster painted pottery making traveled from Egypt to Iran. As artistic ideas traveled from place to place they developed and become more sophisticated. Another example of cultural exchange is textiles, the English words "cotton" and "mohair" are derived from Arabic.
When the Mongols invaded the Islamic regions they brought Chinese design and influences with them, including illustrated manuscripts. Traditionally Chinese figures, such as dragons and phoenix's appear on Islamic art work produced during the Mongol rule.
Overall, with each invasion and take over of parts of the Islamic world came new artist influences and techniques, which together created the Islamic art form.