Who invented the Matryoshka doll?

The first Russian nested doll set was made in 1890 by Vasily Zvyozdochkin, Russian turning craftsman, wood carver and doll maker. The dolls often follow a theme; the themes may vary, from fairy tale characters to Soviet leaders. Matryoshka dolls are often referred to as "babushka dolls", babushka meaning "grandmother" or "old woman".